Baywatch Star’s Shocking Arrest: Unraveling the Animal Rights Protest Controversy

Over the weekend, former Baywatch star Alexandra Paul found herself under arrest in Wisconsin while participating in a daring action that liberated beagles from a contentious breeding site.

The 62-year-old actress was apprehended on Sunday morning and subsequently booked into the county jail on charges of trespassing, as confirmed by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.

Paul’s arrest followed her alleged involvement in a protest at Ridglan Farms, a breeding facility located in Blue Mounds, known for supplying beagles for scientific research. This facility has been a frequent target for animal rights advocates.

A mugshot released shows the actress donning a blue jail-issued shirt layered over a brown t-shirt, with her hair neatly tied back in a ponytail.

On Monday, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office released a statement revealing that ’50-60 protestors unlawfully entered the premises and began removing numerous dogs.’ In the end, 20 individuals faced arrest.

Paul has been arrested a number of times over the years for acts of civil disobedience tied to various causes, including animal rights activism.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Paul’s representatives for comment. 

Baywatch icon Alexandra Paul, 62, was arrested in Wisconsin on Sunday after taking part in an operation that freed beagles from a controversial breeding facility; Pictured in her mugshot

The actress was arrested on one count of trespassing following a protest at Ridglan Farms, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office; Seen in Baywatch still

The sheriff’s office stated that ‘two vehicles, along with burglary tools and other evidence, were seized at the scene’ adding that ‘some of the beagles taken were recovered and returned to Ridglan Farms, but several beagles remain unaccounted for.’ 

‘The Dane County Sheriff’s Office understands how deeply people feel for the beagles at Ridglan Farms, and we respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests,’ Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. 

‘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.’

The investigation is still ongoing. 

Wayne Hsiung, attorney and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere, shared videos and photos from the operation, and said that 22 dogs were ‘rescued.’ 

Hsiung was also booked into the Dane County Jail on Sunday morning for trespassing charges. 

Last year, the Ridglan Farms facility agreed to shut down its breeding operation by July 1, 2026. 

Paul has a long history of activism that spans nearly four decades, resulting in dozens of arrests for civil disobedience. 

Wayne Hsiung, attorney and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere, shared videos and photos from the operation, and said that 22 dogs were ‘rescued’

Paul has been arrested a number of times over the years for acts of civil disobedience tied to various causes, including animal rights activism; Pictured in 2024

She was arrested in 2020 for trying to rescue a pig from a Farmer John slaughterhouse, and in 2023 for rescuing a chicken from a Foster Farms slaughterhouse truck; Seen in a social media snap

Between 1987 and 2000, she was taken into custody more than 12 times at the Nevada Test Site, and in 1989, she was arrested while advocating for those living with HIV.

In 2003, she spent five days in a Los Angeles detention center after refusing to pay a $50 fine following an Iraq War protest. 

In recent years, Paul has focused on animal rights and environmental issues.

Since 2016, she joined the group Direct Action Everywhere, and participated in an open rescue of livestock from a factory farm. 

In 2017, she was arrested for joining a sit-in at an Oakland, California slaughterhouse, and in 2018 she was arrested for a civil disobedience action at Sunrise Chicken Farm.

In 2019 she spent two days in Sonoma County jail after being arrested for protesting at the Reichardt Duck Farm. 

She was also arrested in 2020 for trying to rescue a pig from a Farmer John slaughterhouse, and in 2023 for rescuing a chicken from a Foster Farms slaughterhouse truck. Paul was acquitted after a nine day trial. 

The actress is best known for playing Stephanie Holden on Baywatch from 1992 to 1997; Seen in a still with Yasmine Bleeth and Pamela Anderson

The actress is best known for playing Stephanie Holden on Baywatch from 1992 to 1997.

Paul began her acting career in 1982 in the movie Paper Dolls.

She also starred in the movie Christine, which dropped in 1983, as well as Just the Way You Are in 1984, American Flyers in 1985, 8 Million Ways to Die in 1986 and Dragnet in 1987.

The star landed the role of Stephanie on Baywatch in 1992, going on to play her for five years as part of the main cast.