The Adams Morgan district of Washington, DC, a destination for food and nightlife in the US capital, fills up with revelers on a steamy June night. However, they aren’t the only ones making merry of the favorable weather. Rats, which stalk the alleys behind the restaurants, pubs, and clubs and gorge themselves on food left in the trash, are also in abundance in the city.
A group of locals have organized weekly “ratting” excursions as a response and have taken matters into their own hands.
A group of people and their dogs embark on a hunt for rodents during these outings, according to AFP. People of many ages, races, and origins make up the eclectic collection of participants, some of whom travel from nearby states to take part in the ratting activities.
The group uses a variety of dog breeds that are skilled at chasing and trapping rats
The group uses a variety of dog breeds that are skilled at chasing and trapping rats, including dachshunds, terriers, and sighthounds.
The hunters claim that their dogs are more successful at reducing the rat population than other methods. The rodents are swiftly caught and killed by the dogs, who swiftly shatter their spines to spare them from suffering for an extended period of time.
A group of people and their dogs embark on a hunt for rodents during these outings, according to AFP. People of many ages, races, and origins make up the eclectic collection of participants, some of whom travel from nearby states to take part in the ratting activities.
The group uses a variety of dog breeds that are skilled at chasing and trapping rats, including dachshunds, terriers, and sighthounds.
The hunters claim that their dogs are more successful at reducing the rat population than other methods. The rodents are swiftly caught and killed by the dogs, who swiftly shatter their spines to spare them from suffering for an extended period of time.
“Primitive but effective,” says one of the hunters, 75-year-old Teddy Moritz, aka ‘Grandma Death’. “It’s a good way to organically control rats,” she adds.
Cats also contribute, especially when they trap mice for food
Contrarily, rat poison takes time to eradicate the pests and may endanger other species like hawks and owls in the process. ‘Snap traps’ are another method of pest control, but they can take days to kill rats.
While there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of ratting, rodentologist Bobby Corrigan told AFP that canines have been used for pest management for generations, especially on farms.
“There’s no doubt about it — these days, dogs are making a resurgence in being used as a rat control tool,” he said.
Other animals besides dogs also contribute to the reduction of the rat problem in Washington. Cats also contribute, especially when they trap mice for food.
The Human Rescue Alliance launched the “Blue Collar Cats” initiative in 2017, which matches stray cats with surrounding businesses. The cats are spayed or neutered to prevent them from reproducing, given shots, a place to live, a dedicated carer, and a consistent supply of food.