Council sends home‑rule petition to ban second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides to the legislature

The Salem City Council on April 10 voted to authorize submission of a home‑rule petition that would allow the city to prohibit the application of second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within Salem.

Councilor Davis moved adoption of the home‑rule petition; the motion passed by roll call, 11–0. Councilors discussed evidence of wildlife and pet harm, procedural questions about the petition’s relationship to pending state legislation, and local health‑department input.

Councilor Davis described meetings with residents and with the city’s health agent, Dave Greenbaum, who told councilors that most current use of SGARs in Salem is underground. Davis said that increased local regulation is appropriate for resident and business use. Councilor Cohen noted that related statewide legislation is advancing in the Massachusetts Legislature and cited a House bill (number cited in meeting as 965) and a Senate bill (cited as 644) that have attracted extensive co‑sponsorship; Cohen said the state bills may advance before a home‑rule petition is acted on, but supported the local submission as evidence of community support.

Councilor Marcello noted that if the legislature acts differently, any local rule should apply broadly (not carve out the city or particular users). The council’s action authorizes staff to prepare and submit the petition; it does not itself enact a local ban.

Action taken: Motion to authorize the city to submit a home‑rule petition to prohibit SGARs in Salem carried by roll call vote, 11–0. The petition will be submitted to the state legislature; the council did not adopt a local ordinance at this meeting.