MADISON, Wis. — Animal refuge groups said Wednesday that they have agreed to buy nearly 1,500 beagles at a Wisconsin dog breeding and research business that was the site of a violent clash earlier this month between activists trying to break in and police who repelled them with tear gas and pepper spray. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy said they have entered into a confidential agreement with Ridglan Farms to buy 1,500 of the facility’s roughly 2,000 beagles for an undisclosed price. It’s unclear what the plans are for the remaining dogs. Ridglan Farms did not immediately return a message seeking comment. “It’s a very big win and I am ecstatic to have these dogs out and get them into loving homes,” Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, told The Associated Press. Simmons said she could not discuss the payment for the dogs, how long the deal had been in the works or how many beagles remain at Ridglan after the deal.…