New York lawmakers are proposing rules to humanely drive down the population of rats and other rodents. They are eyeing rat birth control and a ban on glue traps as alternatives to poison or a slow, brutal death. A city ordinance would establish a pilot program for controlling rat population by using birth control instead of lethal chemicals. A City Council member says the contraceptives are more ethical and humane than other methods. Some lawmakers in Albany are considering a statewide ban on glue traps. One exterminator says a ban would have unforeseen consequences on other pest management, including insects.
