From a Friend of McHenry County Blog:
McHenry County Board Set to Vote on Animal Cruelty Ordinance Tuesday
The McHenry County Board is scheduled to vote on significant updates to the County’s animal cruelty ordinance during its July 21 meeting. After watching the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 16, several issues stood out that every McHenry County resident should understand before this important vote.
At the center of the proposal is Section 17.B.1, which updates the County’s definitions of animal cruelty in entertainment settings. Most notably, the ordinance would explicitly prohibit equine and bovine tailing, joining existing state definitions for polling, tripping, and heeling.
The proposed definition of tailing states:
“The practice of grabbing, pulling, or dragging an animal by the tail, wrapping the tail around an individual’s leg or stirrup, and taking action that results in the animal being slammed or dragged to the ground.”
Unlike many discussions surrounding this issue, these proposed ordinances are narrowly focused on entertainment and sport. They do not prohibit legitimate farming practices, veterinary care, or normal animal husbandry. The language also specifically exempts laying down an animal for medical treatment or identification purposes.
Farm Bureau Opposition
One recurring theme throughout the meeting was continued support expressed by Board Member Pam Althoff for the McHenry County Farm Bureau, which has urged the County Board to reject portions of the proposal.
It is worth noting that several County Board members also have Farm Bureau affiliations. While agricultural voices deserve representation, many residents have questioned whether those interests are exerting disproportionate influence compared with the growing public concern over animal cruelty at entertainment events.
Public Pressure Is Driving These Changes
Board Chairman Brian Sager thanked citizens for continuing to bring concerns regarding rodeo-related animal cruelty before the County Board.
That public recognition was appropriate. However, little mention was made of the extensive documentation and investigative work conducted by organizations such as SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness), whose videos and evidence have played a major role in bringing these issues to public attention.
Chairman Sager also discussed additional changes he would like incorporated into the ordinance. As of July 18, however, those revisions were not reflected in the version attached to the public meeting agenda.
Exemptions Raise Legal Concerns
During the discussion, several Board members mentioned exempting events such as the McHenry County Fair and Harvard Milk Days.
There appeared to be a misconception that these events are regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. That is inaccurate.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is not an enforcement agency for animal cruelty laws. Enforcement typically rests with local law enforcement agencies, county animal control authorities, and prosecutors. While the Department of Agriculture may utilize volunteer inspectors in certain situations, it does not have the personnel to respond immediately to allegations of animal cruelty occurring during live events.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office also cautioned that broad exemptions could weaken the ordinance and invite unnecessary legal challenges.
SB 45 Is Not Close to Becoming Law
Another point discussed was Senate Bill 45, with statements suggesting statewide legislation addressing these issues is already moving forward.
Based on conversations I have had with State Senator Li Arellano and the office of Representative Sara Feigenholtz over the past several weeks, that characterization appears overly optimistic.
SB 45 currently faces significant political obstacles. The bill has not gained sponsorship in the Illinois House and remains far from final passage. Until those barriers are addressed, local governments cannot reasonably assume that state legislation will resolve these issues.
Animal Cruelty Is Not Limited to Rodeos
Board Member James Kearns questioned whether additional ordinances were necessary and asked whether animal cruelty charges have been filed in McHenry County.
Sheriff Robb Tadelman responded that his office has investigated and made arrests related to steer tailing, as well as other serious cases of animal cruelty involving horses and livestock. Those arrests have resulted in prosecutions and convictions by the State’s Attorney’s office
His comments reinforced an important point: these ordinances are intended to strengthen the County’s ability to address documented cases—not hypothetical ones.
Other Agricultural Communities Have Already Acted
Some opponents have suggested these protections are incompatible with agricultural communities.
History suggests otherwise.
In 2007, the Omaha City Council unanimously prohibited horse tripping and steer tailing by incorporating those acts into its animal cruelty ordinance. The Nebraska Humane Society supported the measure, citing the severe injuries these events can inflict on horses and cattle.
The following year, Nebraska lawmakers introduced statewide legislation prohibiting horse tripping and steer tailing conducted for entertainment or competition while specifically preserving legitimate farming, ranching, and animal husbandry practices.
If Nebraska, a state with a far larger agricultural economy than McHenry County, can distinguish between farming and entertainment-related animal cruelty, McHenry County can do the same.
The Ordinance Already Protects Farmers
One point raised repeatedly during the meeting was the need to protect farming operations.
That concern is understandable. However, the proposed ordinance already limits its application to entertainment and sporting events while preserving normal livestock management and veterinary practices.
The debate should therefore focus on whether intentionally slamming or dragging animals to the ground for entertainment deserves legal protection, rather than on whether responsible farmers should be affected.
Citizens Still Have Time to Be Heard
Tuesday’s vote represents an important opportunity for McHenry County to modernize its animal cruelty ordinance while remaining fully consistent with Illinois law.
Residents who support stronger protections should contact their County Board members before the July 21 vote and respectfully urge them to:
- Adopt the proposed definitions of poling, tripping, tailing, and heeling.
- Avoid creating broad exemptions that could weaken enforcement.
- Preserve clear distinctions between legitimate farming practices and entertainment-related animal cruelty.
- Stand with law enforcement and prosecutors by providing clear, enforceable, and legally defensible ordinances.
As Edmund Burke is often credited with saying:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” Thrilled to hear Board Member Matt Kunkle recite my favorite quote.
Shakespeare’s quote for McHenry County’s Farm Bureau is: “Hark, he doth protest too much”
On July 21, McHenry County residents have an opportunity to ensure that doing nothing is not the outcome. Send an email today to: MJBuehler@mchenrycountyil.gov, and your district member. Find them here: County Board Members | McHenry County, IL
