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Salem to ask state for authority to ban second-generation rodenticides; council approves home-rule petition
Summary
Councilor Davis's motion to authorize a home-rule petition that would allow Salem to prohibit second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within city borders passed 11-0. Councilors debated how the petition interacts with active state legislation.
The Salem City Council voted 11-0 Thursday to send a home-rule petition authorizing the city to prohibit second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within city limits.
Councilor Davis introduced the motion and said the chemicals are harmful to wildlife, domestic animals and ecosystems. The motion directs the city to seek legislative permission through a home-rule petition to prohibit application of SGARs in Salem.
Council debate noted that state legislation addressing rodenticides is also active. Councilor Cohen referenced two bills by number, saying the House bill is H.965 and the Senate bill is S.644; she said both chambers had strong co-sponsorship and that those bills would likely reach a different statewide outcome. Councilor Marcello said the city's petition can signal local support and be attached to state legislation as it moves through the legislature.
Public commenters who spoke in favor included residents and veterinary professionals who recounted pet poisonings and wildlife impacts. Sally McMurray said the rodenticides threaten raptors that would otherwise help control rodent populations, and Nathan and others described witnessing animal distress.
Ending: The council approved sending the home-rule petition; next steps require submission to the state legislature and follow-up by city staff. Councilors noted the petition may be subsumed or paired with pending state legislation.
