We’ve run a number of articles on the rodeo regulation ordinance.
I’ll put links to them up first, they let you see the minutes from the Board meetng.
Here are the minutes from the Bosrd meeting
Ordinance Adopting Articles I through VII of the Public Health Ordinance for McHenry County
Mr. Kearns requested that the language of the proposed text amendment of Ordinance Z26-0030 presently under review (Agenda 17.a.3) be read prior to discussion of the Public Health Ordinance as the language of the former is similar to the language of the latter, specifically Articles 8.d through 8.q.
Director of Planning & Development Adam Wallen read those specific provisions of Z26-0030 into the record. [But, note, this not appear in the record here.]
Ms. Althoff spoke about the importance of adopting an amendment that addresses animal cruelty.
Ms. Althoff subsequently read changes to the Public Health Ordinance recommended by the Board of Health on July 20, 2026.
Mr. Sager spoke about the value of the agricultural production and livestock industry to McHenry County and of the necessity of holding those who engage in the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals accountable, and spoke further of the importance of finding a balance between the two.
Mr. Smith proposed an amendment to include additional animal events held at the McHenry County Fair and Harvard Milk Day events and stated he was concerned about the unintended consequences of the amendments.
Mr. Shorten spoke of the necessity of the role of enforcement in livestock events and the need for further input from the Farm Bureau.
Ms. Greeno spoke about the animal cruelty provisions already provided in the present Public Health Ordinance.
Mr. Kearns concurred with the enforcement provisions of the current Ordinance.
Mr. Kamienski spoke of the ability of the Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office to enforce the animal cruelty provisions in the current Ordinance.
Ms. Von Hof spoke of the inclusion of previous recommendations of the Farm Bureau and the importance of utilizing the proposed amendments to strengthen the present Ordinance.
Ms. Campbell stated the proposed exemptions were not facially neutral and could open the Board to constitutional challenges, and stated further that individuals could currently be prosecuted under the Humane Care for Animal Act.
Assistant State’s Attorney Laura Scarry said the amendments could act as an extra “tool” in prosecution.
Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website beginning at 1:28:39 of the audio.
Mover: Althoff
Seconder: Sager
Approval of revisions to Articles I-VII of the Public Health Ordinance. Amendment:
Mover: Althoff
Seconder: Kearns
To divide the question on 17.b.1
Approved by Voice
Amendment:
Mover: Althoff
Seconder: Gottemollero amend 17.b.1 (“Amendment #2”)
Aye (17): Althoff, Campbell, Collins, Gottemoller, Greeno, Kamienski, Kearns, Krieger, Kunkle, Sager, Shorten, Skala, Smith, Sullivan, Thomas, Van Hof, and Von Bergen
Nay (1): Hendricks
Approved (17 to 1)
Amendment:
Mover: Sager
Seconder: Althoff
To amend 17.b.1 (Althoff – Sager amendment)
Aye (5): Althoff, Campbell, Gottemoller, Sager, and Van Hof
Nay (13): Collins, Greeno, Hendricks, Kamienski, Kearns, Krieger, Kunkle, Shorten, Skala, Smith, Sullivan, Thomas, and Von Bergen
Defeated (5 to 13)
Amendment:
Mover: Althoff
Seconder: Collins
To amend 17.b.1 (Althoff amendment)
Aye (5): Althoff, Campbell, Collins, Gottemoller, and Van Hof
Nay (13): Greeno, Hendricks, Kamienski, Kearns, Krieger, Kunkle, Sager, Shorten, Skala, Smith, Sullivan, Thomas, and Von Bergen
Defeated (5 to 13)
