CITIZEN PETITION: BAN SECOND-GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (SGARs) ARTICLE 36 - Now on Town Meeting Warrant!

CITIZEN PETITION: BAN SECOND-GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (SGARs) ARTICLE 36. To determine whether the Town will authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court for special legislation substantially in the form below: That notwithstanding Chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the Town of Concord may by ordinance prohibit the application of secondgeneration anticoagulant rodenticides within the Town of Concord, including application of such pesticides by licensed commercial applicators as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00, except as allowed by the Board of Health to remediate a public health condition; this act shall take effect upon its passage. This article would authorize the Select Board to petition the State Legislature for special legislation authorizing the Town to ban the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (“SGARs”) on both public and private property.

Explanatory Box Text:

The use of SGARs presents a serious risk to both wildlife and domestic animals in Concord. SGARs are highly toxic, and their impact goes far beyond the targeted rodents. Nontarget animals including birds of prey, wild mammals, pets, and even young children are often unintentionally exposed to these poisons through ingestion of poisoned rodents or contaminated carcasses or accidental consumption of SGARs themselves. Numerous published scientific studies have found that wildlife such as owls, hawks, coyotes, and foxes, which are crucial for controlling rodent populations naturally, can suffer fatal consequences when they consume rodents that have ingested SGARs. Rodents who have consumed SGARs can often live for several days after poisoning, making them easy prey for unsuspecting predators. There are viable alternatives to SGARs that are both effective and safer for the community. For example, Concord Public Works uses RatX which does not make its way up the food chain. Integrated pest management strategies, such as rodent-proofing buildings, maintaining a clean environment, and setting snap traps, also can control rodent populations without resorting to dangerous poisons. In taking the proposed action, the Town would encourage the adoption of safer, more sustainable practices and align itself with other progressive municipalities across the state that are taking action to reduce the harmful effects of these chemicals. A ban on use of SGARs would send a clear message that we are committed to creating a safe and responsible environment for both our people and the animals with whom we share it, fostering a healthier, more balanced relationship between humans and the natural world.