McHenry County Farm Bureau Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the proposed changes to the McHenry County Zoning Ordinance as they relate to horses and other equine and unanimously opposed the following.
A proposed change to 403.2 section E would limit professional stables and horse farms from advertising riding lessons and other non-competitive events to the general public. The current ordinance allowed for horse shows and related activities without a temporary permit, provided there was sufficient off street parking for all visitors. McHenry County Farm Bureau believes horse and other equine owners deserve the right to promote and advertise their operations. We believe the proposed changes will cause financial hardship and unjust regulation on an industry that is already dealing with a host of regulations, a difficult economy and rising cost. Proposed changes to 403.3 C Public Stables (10 acres or more) are identical to those listed above and we oppose them for the same reasons. We also believe the general public and equine enthusiast would be unjustly punished by these proposed changes. Restricting these owners' rights to advertise will ultimately limit the public's ability to participate and watch equine programs and events.
Section 404.3 shows a host of changes that would essentially eliminate animal sporting events and require temporary permits for animal exhibitions. Proposed changes to animal sporting events would limit a personal property owner to 1 permit (not more than 2 days) per calendar year. It would also require the building and structures made accessible to spectators be brought up to commercial building codes. McHenry County Farm Bureau opposes these changes as presented. Horse and other equine owners have made significant investments into their operations. These proposed regulations are unreasonable and financially unattainable for most owners.
McHenry County Farm Bureau looks forward to working with equine owners, enthusiast and elected officials on reasonable alternatives.
