I’ve had to hire exterminators for the first time in 50 years, and they all conclude that the old spring traps are still the best if you don’t have D.C.’s Rat Patrol. What I wouldn’t give for a Flavia, Jigs and some other Ratscallions to rid my area of these vermin, as well.
Kudos to D.C.’s own dogs, who are worth their weight in gold and all the positive publicity they are garnering. But their services are needed in other areas — even in tony, high-end beach communities that turn a blind eye to such an infestation and claim “there’s no problem here.”
Leslie L. Megyeri, Washington
Though the Sept. 13 Style article about rat-hunting dogs was written with notable spots of sensitivity, flicking through the paper and seeing such graphic photos of dogs killing rats would surely cause anybody who has had rats as pets much distress. I was moved to tears.
Yes, as the piece wisely pointed out, death by dog is kinder than glue traps or poison. But the relish from the dog owners and in many of the online reader comments showed anything but concern for kindness. Instead, we saw humanity’s ability to cut off all compassion when it’s convenient.
Rats are highly intelligent animals, just as sentient and sensitive as the dogs and cats so many of us love. What a shame for them that, after the pandemic eased, the restaurants reopened as careless as ever with the tons of callously wasted food. What a shame for all species on this planet, and the planet itself, that humans are the worst stewards imaginable.
Surely, we can do better.
Karen Dawn, Santa Barbara, Calif.
The writer is executive director of DawnWatch, a nonprofit animal advocacy organization.
