I am writing to express my strong support for Article 24, which seeks to prohibit or restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in Lexington. Although last year’s Article 40 passed overwhelmingly, the threat to our community remains significant.
SGARs present an alarming risk to pets, children, wildlife and our environment. Over the past three years, there have been 200 documented exposures in our region, affecting dozens of pets annually and over 60 confirmed cases involving wildlife.
Fortunately, numerous effective and safer alternatives exist, including prevention measures, exclusion tactics, repellants, traps, CO₂ treatments and other Integrated Pest Management strategies. Several neighboring towns, like Arlington, Newton and Brookline, have already adopted similar measures, underscoring the viability and necessity of this action.
Lexington prides itself on protecting the well-being of our residents and environment. I urge everyone to support Article 24 at the upcoming Town Meeting and help eliminate this unnecessary hazard from our community.
