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Resident asks Selectboard to stop using live mouse traps at library; board to consult pest-control vendor
Summary
Wildlife rescuer Carol Winfield urged the Selectboard to disable live-capture mouse traps at the library overnight to avoid animal suffering; Selectboard members said they would explore alternatives with the town's pest-control contractor.
During public comment, Carol Winfield identified her qualifications in wildlife rescue and zoology and asked the Selectboard to disable the library’s live mouse traps overnight — specifically, to open them when the library is closed — because she said the trapped mice were suffering.
Selectboard members discussed whether to ask the town’s pest-control contractor for traps that kill over a weekend instead of humane (live-capture) traps, or other options, to avoid perceived mouse suffering. Pat Haller said engaging the vendor for a solution was the reasonable next step; the minutes reflect a desire to avoid unnecessary animal suffering while balancing operational concerns.
The board did not adopt an immediate policy change at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with the pest-control company and report back to the board.
