By Allison V. Lenk
The morning we arrived to rally in front of the State House, we noticed two hawks circling the Boston Common. People excitedly pointed out when one of the hawks landed on the weathervane atop the Golden Dome of the State House. We optimistically decided it was a sign that the day’s testimony would make a positive difference in the cause to limit the use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) which not only kill their intended target, but also sicken or kill birds of prey, other wildlife, pets, and even threaten the health of children. (See “Join New Belmont Group Protecting Raptors,” BCF Newsletter, March/April 2023.)
On May 10, the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing for four pesticide bills, including several that impact rodenticides. Laura Kiesel, an environmental journalist and founder of Save Arlington Wildlife, rallied the crowd and spoke with the media (the Boston Globe and WBZ) about the importance of passing Arlington’s Home Rule petition (H.804 & H.814), which would allow the town to ban SGARs on private property.
These rodenticides killed MK the eagle, her offspring C25, and a family of great horned owls at Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington. Raptors and rodents aren’t aware of where one locality begins and ends. Kiesel also stressed the importance of passing the Local Control Bill (S.504) which would empower other towns/cities to restrict pesticides like SGARs.
In her testimony, Kiesel said that wildlife rehabbers report hundreds of cases of poisoned wildlife, and MSPCA veterinarians report numerous poisoned cats and dogs in their practice. While the EPA previously banned SGARs from over-the-counter sales because thousands of children had been poisoned, they’re still available online, and the poison-filled black boxes are the first line of defense by pest control companies. The fourth bill (H.825) put forth by State Representative Jim Hawkins, would require these companies to keep digitized records of the locations of black boxes containing SGARs. Currently, these records are handwritten and stored in boxes and aren’t accessible to residents attempting to gather this information.
Activists at the Massachusetts State House. Photo: Alison V. Lenk
Kiesel also pointed out that the data don’t indicate that SGARs are effective in controlling rat population. In fact, rodents’ numbers have increased with the use of SGARs. Ironically, these poisons are decimating the natural predators that would control the rodents. As the Friends of Menotomy Park lawn sign with the image of the owl states: “PLEASE DON’T POISON OUR FOOD–We’ll Control the Rodents!”
Many other people also testified in support of the bills, citing the importance of utilizing mitigation methods to control rodents such as securing trash, putting mothballs in nests, and locating/closing holes. They pointed out that there are alternatives (electrical shock, birth control, dry ice, etc.) to the use of SGARs. Evidently, pest control companies prefer poison because it is potentially easier and less expensive. In fact, the only testimony in opposition to the Local Control Bill came from two representatives from a pest control conglomerate who stated that towns/cities adopting different laws would be too onerous, and that elected officials shouldn’t be responsible for making these decisions as then it would be up to “whoever shouts the loudest.”
Precinct 8 Town Meeting member Melissa MacIntyre shared her love of birds and how SGARs are significantly more potent than first-generation compounds. Rodents, the intended target, became so resistant to the first poison that a second, stronger one was created, and there’s evidence that rodents are building a resistance to SGARs. Will an even more lethal version of rodenticide be attempted?
MacIntyre pointed out that each raptor could be eating a rodent a day, yet instead they are dying. State Representative Dave Rogers called this a “terrible and painful paradox.”
One particularly moving testimony was shared by a girl from Billerica, her Girl Scout vest festooned with badges, feet swinging under the chair as she presented. She stated that it wasn’t “fair” that we were poisoning the wildlife’s food. They should be able to eat without getting sick, or worse. The girl implored the Joint Committee members to pass the bills as she wants to still be able to see the wildlife when she grows up.
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is expected to make their recommendations soon. We hope their decision will reflect the powerful testimony shared on May 10 and will reflect respect for all living creatures.
Allison V. Lenk is a Precinct 8 Town Meeting member and an avid birdwatcher.
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