What can I do?
Right Now
1. Call or email (calling is better) the representatives of our area on Beacon Hill about An Act Restricting the Use of Rodenticides in the Environment (H965/S644), which, if enacted, will phase out the use of all anticoagulant rodenticides in Massachusetts!
Bruce Tarr (617) 722-1600; Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov
Senator Tarr is a co-sponsor of the bill, so he supports it, which is great. Thank him for his support, but ask him what he is doing to move the bill along by moving it beyond the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. For instance, is he advocating for this crucial bill with leadership? Is he trying to have it brought to the floor for debate? If these things don’t happen, the bill will “die in committee” and nothing will change?
Ann-Margaret Ferrante (617) 722-2380; Ann-Margaret.Ferrante@mahouse.gov
Representative Ferrante has not co-signed the bill. Ask her if she will do that. Some suggested wording, after saying why this issue matters to you, would be “I respectfully urge you to support this legislation by co-sponsoring the bill and advocating for its passage with leadership.”
2. The bill mentioned above has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which had a hearing on Monday, October 27 at 1:00pm. It’s super important that they continue to hear from us!
We need everyone to make their voices are heard by this committee. Send an email to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (JointCommittee.Environment@malegislature.gov) letting them know that you care about this issue and urging them to move it out of their committee for a vote.
3. Note where you see bait boxes like this one in downtown Gloucester. These usually contain SGARs.
At a business: Rescue Gloucester Wildlife are compiling a list of businesses using SGARs so that they can be contacted in an effort to educate them about the threat to wildlife that they pose. Business contact information can be entered here.
On city property: It’s the City of Gloucester’s policy not to use SGARs on city property (unless there is an emergency). If you see one on city property, either contact City Hall and ask them about it, or let Rescue Gloucester Wildlife know (info@RescueGloucesterWildlife.org), and we will contact them.
At a neighbor’s: Try having a friendly conversation with neighbors to educate them about the harm SGARs do to wildlife and pets. Always be respectful and give them the benefit of the doubt—they may have no idea about the issues with SGARs!
In November
Come to the next meeting of Rescue Gloucester Wildlife on November 17, 7-8 pm at 44 Hodgkins St in Gloucester. Join via Zoom at https://mit.zoom.us/j/91802146343.
Early 2026
Join us for an event at Cape Ann Cinema on January 11! Details to come. Email info@ rescuegloucesterwildlife.org to be notified.
