Agoura Hills City Council debates resolution against rodenticides and glue traps

During the Agoura Hills City Council meeting on April 9, 2025, significant discussions centered around the adoption of a resolution opposing the sale, purchase, and use of rodenticides and glue traps within the city. This resolution, identified as number 252097, aims to protect local wildlife, pets, and residents from the dangers associated with these harmful substances.

The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members, including Carolyn Trecino and Sherry Ferber, who emphasized the need for safer alternatives to traditional rodent control methods. Trecino highlighted the risks posed by anticoagulant rodenticides, which are already restricted in California, and pointed out the dangers of non-anticoagulant poisons that remain available. She referenced alarming statistics from the National Park Service, noting that a significant number of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains tested positive for bromethalin, a dangerous rodenticide.

Ferber echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting the local ecosystem, particularly given Agoura Hills' status as the home of the world's largest wildlife crossing. She argued that the resolution is essential for maintaining a healthy environment that supports both wildlife and human health. Ferber also shared a distressing anecdote about a bird caught in a glue trap, underscoring the inhumane nature of such devices.

Both speakers advocated for alternative rodent control methods, such as natural predators, improved sanitation, and physical barriers, rather than relying on poisons and traps that can cause suffering to both target and non-target animals.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing awareness and concern for environmental responsibility within the community. The council's decision on this resolution could set a precedent for future wildlife protection efforts and influence local policies regarding pest control practices. As the city moves forward, the implications of this resolution may resonate beyond Agoura Hills, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in neighboring areas.