Alexandra Paul, known for her role on Baywatch, has been detained following allegations related to animal rights demonstrations. The 62-year-old was taken into custody on Sunday, March 15, in Wisconsin, after protesters reportedly entered Ridglan Farms property without permission. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to People on Monday, March 16, that Paul was among roughly 20 individuals arrested. At the time of reporting, Paul remained in police custody.
Authorities stated that some activists breached the facility and began removing several dogs, specifically mentioning that some beagles were retrieved and returned to Ridglan Farms. However, several dogs remain missing, and the investigation continues. Authorities have also seized two vehicles, burglary tools, and other relevant evidence.
Ridglan Farms is one of two major dog breeding facilities in the United States that supplies animals for scientific research. By October 2025, Ridglan Farms had reached an agreement with the La Crosse County District Attorney to cease operations under its Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) license and stop selling dogs bred for biomedical research. According to WKOW 27, this agreement is set to take effect no later than July 1, 2026.
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the agency’s understanding of the public’s strong feelings towards the beagles at Ridglan Farms and their support for peaceful protests. He stated, “Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place. We encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare or research practices to engage through lawful and constructive avenues.”
Paul, who portrayed Stephanie Holden on Baywatch from 1992 to 1997, previously faced a misdemeanor theft charge for allegedly taking two chickens from a Foster Farms truck in September 2021. The Fresno Bee reported that she testified in Merced County in March 2023 and was subsequently found not guilty.
Prior to her legal challenges, Paul discussed her commitment to animal activism with People in 2011, highlighting her work with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She detailed her journey into activism, which began with becoming a vegetarian at 14 and later transitioning to veganism at 47. Paul also eliminated leather, wool, silk, and fur from her wardrobe at age 26, and she ensured her acting contracts specified she would not wear makeup tested on animals.
