Ms. Zimmerman, Mr. Bliss, Mr. Riley,
It appears that a permit will be granted for a steer tailing event in Capron this Saturday, June 29. Since this location has violated the last four permits going back to 2022, with the most recent violations occurring just last month, on May 11, granting another permit would certainly appear to violate Boone County's ordinance.
At the May 11 event, at least a dozen animals were injured, and there was no veterinary care. This alone should preclude any more permits, not to mention it should result in criminal charges. Furthermore, people handling the steers were not wearing identification bibs, as is required by county ordinance. Again, this should preclude more permits.
Here is are video links to some of the violations at the May 11 event in Capron:
Dropbox Links
https://youtu.be/ACre3H5BG-Q
https://youtu.be/CnNYSU5K9U8
https://youtu.be/_hc7rfuotkw
Here is a portion of the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, which was clearly violated at the May 11 event in Capron.
IL Humane Care for Animals Act:
Sec. 3. Owner's duties.
(a) Each owner shall provide for each of his or her animals:
(1) a sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water;
(2) adequate shelter and protection from the weather;
(3) veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering;
(4) humane care and treatment
(510 ILCS 70/3.01) (from Ch. 8, par. 703.01)
Sec. 3.01. Cruel treatment.
(a) No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal.
The public has been assured, and a county ordinance requires that those violating special use permits will be denied future permits. A number of board members, including Karl Johnson and Ryan Curry, have assured the public that those violating permit conditions will be denied in the future. The credibility of these gentlemen is on the line, and literally the dignity of the county. Are you going to violate the County's ordinance? If so, who are the individuals involved in making this decision?
Steve Hindi, President
SHARK
