New York City announced a $32 million, multi-agency plan on Wednesday to reduce its rat population. By September, the city will start installing solar compactors with rat-resistant openings and replacing wire waste baskets with steel cans. Proposed legislation would regulate the hours garbage could be left at the curb, and increase fines for illegal dumping. In 2015, funding for the program was increased by $2.9 million. “While New York City has made important strides to curb the rodent population, it’s clear more needs to be done to significantly and permanently reduce the scourge of rats across the five boroughs,” City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said.

Source: National Post July 12, 2017 17:37 UTC