In the summer of 2020, Everett’s Animal Control Officer Stacia Gorgone received several reports and pictures from residents depicting trapped animals who were left for more than 24 hours in the sun during some hot 90-degree days. The traps had been set by pest control companies. Unfortunately, before this ordinance, the ACO did not have the ability to intervene.
Stacia brought the issue to Everett City Councilor Stephanie Martins, and together they worked on and passed a pest control ordinance that now gives the Everett ACO jurisdiction over these companies and animals. Read on to learn how they did it and what advice they give citizens who are looking to pass a similar measure.
Behind the Pest Control Ordinance