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Council refers animal‑testing zoning amendment to committee after heated exchange
Summary
Councilor Stephanie Smith introduced an ordinance amendment to limit laboratory animal testing to small vertebrates (mice, rats, fish) only in life‑science zones; sponsors requested Legislative Affairs vetting and additional restrictions, and the council voted to send the measure to committee.
Councilor Stephanie Smith introduced an ordinance to amend Everett’s zoning and animal‑care guidelines to permit limited research using small vertebrate species — specifically mice, rats and fish — only in districts the city designates for life‑science uses.
Smith said the change is narrow: it would not allow testing on larger animals (dogs, cats, horses, goats) and would restrict lab uses to areas already zoned for life sciences, arguing the change opens space for local life‑science jobs while protecting neighborhoods. She asked Legislative Affairs to work with colleagues to add objective restrictions and clear language.
Several councilors said they welcomed committee review; Councilor Rogers characterized aggressive developer outreach at a recent community meeting as improper interference with the municipal process. On a roll‑call vote the council referred the ordinance to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections for further work.
Next steps: Legislative Affairs will review the draft, consider additional restrictions and criteria, and hold public hearings before the council considers final action.
