New York City Advances Rat Birth Control Initiative to Curb Population

The city plans to deploy 'ContraPest pellets' across key areas, aiming to address the rat infestation without harming wildlife.

NYC Councilmember Shaun Abreu proposes a rat birth control program using 'ContraPest pellets' to sterilize rats and reduce population.
The initiative is a response to the ineffectiveness of traditional poisons, which have harmed other wildlife, including the death of Flaco the owl.
This method aims to be more environmentally friendly and pairs with city efforts like trash containerization to limit food sources for rats.
Previous attempts at rat control using contraceptives in NYC and other cities have shown mixed results, but new strategies hope to improve effectiveness.
The city's health department could soon administer these contraceptives, with a pilot program to gather effectiveness data over the next year.