And the verdict is.

Here are notes from today's court hearing. No permit, huh, Cutters. Not so good. We certainly have some of our own thoughts to add to this and will do so in a seperate post in the very near future. Very near. Thanks to Marcos for taking the time to attend the court hearing! There is also another hearing next week! Cutters will be addressing all of the animal care and control tickets they've recieved. More to come!


JC Cutters Building Violations Hearing

12/11/08, 11:00 am, Room 1103

Case 08-M1-401274

City of Chicago vs. (JC Cutters)




Court Judge Daniel Joseph Lynch

John (Rubesnick?) - defendant's attorney

Julio Montilla - buildings inspector, City of Chicago




Carrie (Stojack?)- sent to represent 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack,

32nd Ward Office:

Address: 2657 N. Clybourn

Chicago, IL 60614

E-mail: ward32@cityofchicago.org

Telephone: 773-248-1330




Building code case:




Inspector Montilla had identified structural defects in the west wall of the east building on the south end of the lot. It is likely "going to collapse", is "bowed" and had a large gap. On later inspections it was seen that the gap had been filled, but the wall not repaired. Motilla also mentioned "holes in the foundation". Motilla was last out there 12/10/2008





The previous stable was deemed unsafe, and horses were relocated to a "temporary stable". They were ordered to obtain permits for this structure, and applied on June 12th, but the permit was never granted. The hold is with the alderman's office, who has been receiving complaints from "PETA and NBC", and been receiving 311 complaints. They are concerned that the stables do not comply with rules and regulations of horse stables, and for the treatment of the horses.





There were additional complaints filed about the cleanliness of the temporary stable (including at least one $200 penalty), its hay storage and lack of screens in the windows, for which permits to repair were obtained September 10th. Cutters stated they have put up screens and covered the hay. Montilla last inspected on 12/10, and will be having more frequent inspections in the future. The temporary stables do not have electricity of running water. However, the defendants' attorney states that "heat is not required" and "the shelter itself is one that could last many winters... 15 years", and states that as long as they're dry and out of the elements, once horses are accustomed to the cold it is detrimental to give them heating or blankets." He stated "these people care about the animals, but they're work animals..." "these are working animals that don't really have any other purpose other than to be working". And if they were no longer belonging to JC Cutters, he states "If they don't go to Amish farms they're going to go to Canada to be slaughtered... They're work horses." Many complaints were referenced "about the animals' treatment," but those charges were not specified, and will be detailed in the December 15th administrative hearing. Animal care and control agents have been present at all previous hearings, but was not here to present those allegations.





A meeting will be set to plan an inspection with Arie Golan (owner of the land), Julio Montilla (city buildings inspector) and a structural engineer of Cutters' for an early January inspection after which the defendant will file an engineer's report by February 11th 2009. There will then be an additional hearing for this building code issue on February 26th, 2009 at 11:00 am.




Attorney representing City of Chicago mentioned numerous time that the city does not want the tent to be a long term shelter, but the attorney from Cutters continued to mention it would be a fine shelter for 15 years.




Mantilla continually mentioned the horses need a permanent structure and they tent is not the answer.