NYC Launches Rat Birth Control Pilot to Curb Infestation

The new initiative aims to reduce rat populations humanely with specialized contraceptive bait, inspired by the death of a beloved owl.

The New York City Council has approved a pilot program using contraceptive pellets to sterilize rats in select Manhattan neighborhoods.
The contraceptive bait, called ContraPest, is designed to be irresistible to rats and non-toxic to humans and other animals.
The program, named 'Flaco's Law,' honors an owl who died from ingesting rat poison, highlighting the need for safer pest control methods.
Monthly inspections will track the consumption of the bait to evaluate its effectiveness over the 12-month trial period.
Animal rights groups and experts are divided on the potential success of the initiative, with some skeptical about rats' willingness to consume the bait.