MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A Jefferson County dog breeding case is on pause after the former breeder and owner is found not fit to move forward in court.
The court decided Tuesday that as of now, Patricia Rockstroh lacks the capacity to proceed in court. After a number of evaluations, the court ruled Rockstroh is likely to be restored to competency after treatment in a few months.
Rockstroh, owner of Penny Lane Cocker Spaniels, in the Town of Koshkonong, is accused of 20 counts of intentionally improper Animal Shelter Space and 20 counts of Intentionally Improper Animal Shelter-Ventilation, all class A misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors have a maximum penalty of nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine, if convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, back on September 26, 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) got a complaint from Badger Veterinary Hospital that Rockstroh brought in four dogs of various ages in “terrible condition”. The veterinary clinic said the dogs did not have vaccinations, the handler was rough with the dogs and that they were matted “and smelly with some of the dogs having bite wounds and cherry eye.”
On November 13, 2023, a DATCP inspector and an animal health specialist went to Penny Lane Cocker Spaniels where the inspector said the property had an ammonia smell. The inspector reported Rockstroh did not know how many dogs were at the property because he says she was giving conflicting information. The inspector then asked to see the dogs and went downstairs. The inspector reported being met with hesitation from Rockstroh, becoming “frustrated and hostile” and told the inspector he was not allowed downstairs. The complaint states Rockstroh eventually agreed only if the inspector stayed on the stairs.
Downstairs, the inspector smelled ammonia and observed multiple wired cages filled with “numerous adult dogs.” The report said Rockstroh was housing four to six adult Cocker Spaniels within 16-square-foot wire enclosures, allowing approximately 2.6-square-feet per dog “which does not allow for the dogs to engage in normal movement and behaviors.” The complaint said the inspector observed approximately 30 dogs on site total. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also visited the property on April 4, along with an inspector from DATCP.
15 Investigates reached out to Penny Lane Cocker Spaniels, and a worker confirmed 25 dogs were surrendered to a rescue, and that the property still has five male Cocker Spaniels that belong to Rockstroh. The worker also claimed since then, they have fixed the issues with ventilation and shelter on the property.
Rockstroh’s lawyer will draft an Order of Commitment for Treatment, and a status conference is scheduled for May 12.
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