La Exotica Kennels South Australia breeder Sylvia Jachmann denies operating puppy farm

A South Australian breeder has denied she operates a puppy farm after selling a “terrified” dog to a Geelong family.

Better days: Traumatised blue staffordshire terrier Indi with her new mum Tarynn Paterson. Picture: David Caird.

AN interstate breeder sold a traumatised anxiety-riddled dog to a Geelong couple, with a vet saying the pet’s condition “verged on animal cruelty”, a tribunal has heard.

South Australian-based La Exotica Kennels breeder Sylvia Jachmann — formerly known as Sylvia Gutierrez — denied operating a “puppy farm” after she sold five-year-old blue staffordshire terrier ‘Charley’ to a Geelong family.

Ms Jachmann fronted VCAT on Monday after Lara mother Tarynn Paterson sued the Lewiston breeder for “misleading conduct”.

Ms Paterson paid $1200 for Charley — who the family renamed Indi — after she was told the “three-year-old” dog had only a single litter and no pre-existing injuries.

The Lara mother told the tribunal she was warned by the delivery driver that her new dog was “petrified”.

“She cowered, she was petrified of anything and everything …,” Ms Paterson told the tribunal. “We got her home and she was looking for anything to hide under.

“She’s getting better with us but you can’t pat her, she’s far from a placid dog … it’s my understanding she’ll be on medication for life.”

Ms Paterson engaged experienced Surf Coast veterinarian surgeon Dr Melanie Rockman who gave Indi a four-hour examination.

Indi was found to have underwent five separate surgeries including three artificial insemination procedures.

La Exotica Kennels breeder Sylvia Jachmann.

The tribunal heard Indi was only able to deliver a litter of a single puppy so she was desexed and sold.

Dr Rockman, who has a post graduate in animal behaviour, told the tribunal Indi was not suitable to be rehomed or transported.

“I would say this was one of the few cases that I consider may have verged on animal cruelty,” Dr Rockman said.

“I have consulted on thousands and thousands of cases and this one really took my breath away.

“It was a dog that was completely shut down, it was a dog who was terrified of the world, it was a dog that was hiding and escaping …

“That dog, in my opinion had severe problems … it was upsetting, not only as a professional but as a human being to see an animal like that.”

Member Blair Ussher asked Dr Rockman if, in her professional opinion, Indi’s “extreme case” of “anxiety and phobia” would have been demonstrated prior to her transportation from South Australia.

“I would say 99 per cent it would, absolutely,” Dr Rockman said.

“Having had a look at that the photos of that particular breeding set up and the fact Sylvia has often mention that this is an industry, even though they are advertised as pets for sale and those dogs are probably in those runs 23 hours out of 24 and have very little human contact.

“I’ve never seen a dog that shut down other than one other case I worked on.”

Indi when she first arrived to Tarynn Paterson and her Lara family. Supplied.

Dr Rockman, a vet with over 20 years experience and former Melbourne University animal behaviour lecturer, opined Indi would require anxiety medication for many years.

Dr Rockman also praised Ms Paterson for doing everything she could for Indi.

“She’s been remarkable … I commend Tarynn, many people would have euthanised this dog,” she said.

Member Ussher asked Dr Rockman how much Indi was worth.

“It would be worth nothing f someone tried to sell that dog today because the requirements for that dog are so high …,” Dr Rockman said.

Ms Jachmann, while questioning Dr Rockman, told the tribunal the RSPCA had visited her facility.

Ms Jachmann also said Ms Paterson had “implied” the operation was a puppy farm.

“We are not a puppy farm,” Ms Jachmann said.

Ms Jachmann quizzed Dr Rockman on how much she had seen Indi and claimed the veterinarian had made “biased assumptions”.

“The interest for me is the welfare of this dog,” Dr Rockman said.

“I’ve never seen a more terrified dog in my life.”

Indi is now on the mend with her new friend Ruby. Supplied.

Ms Jachmann, who told the tribunal she’d been a breeder for almost 20 years, refuted she was to blame for Indi’s condition.

Ms Jachmann also put forward the Indi’s 11-hour journey from SA to Lara may have scared the dog.

“Charley was a happy dog here …,” Ms Jachmann said.

South Australian vet Dr Trevor Baker, who gave evidence on behalf of Ms Jachmann, said he had “no knowledge of this particular animal”.

“All I can say is we don’t have any particular problems with this kennel … I’ve never had any behavioural problems with the dogs at that kennel,” Dr Baker said.

“Dogs are classified as goods whether people like it or not, dogs are goods which can be traded or sold …,” Member Ussher said.

“I accept the dog is not of acceptable quality … I do not accept (Indi developed anxiety after leaving South Australia) … It is a very disabled dog … this is dog is probably worth nothing based on the nature of its injuries.”

Ms Paterson, who sought $10,000 compensation to cover Indi’s cost, vet fees and ongoing expenses, was awarded $1000.

[e-mail]