BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Animal welfare groups say 1,500 beagles will be transferred from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds under a new agreement announced Thursday, April 30.

According to a press release, the Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue reached the deal with the Wisconsin breeder, which supplies dogs for laboratory research. The groups say the beagles will be moved in phases, then treated, socialized and adopted out to families in Wisconsin and across the country.

The release says Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take about 1,000 dogs, while the Center for a Humane Economy will work with partner groups to place 500 more.

That number includes 150 beagles being welcomed at the Wisconsin Humane Society. WHS also invites anyone looking to help with the beagle effort to click here to make a contribution.

Ridglan Farms will continue housing some remaining dogs, according to the release, with a pathway being in place to transfer ownership in time.