New York's bold move: Rat contraception as urban pest control

Although very intelligent, rats are treated as pests. No wonder—they can be aggressive and spread various diseases. Some cities are particularly vulnerable to the presence of unwanted cohabitants.

It’s no surprise. The pop culture capital of the United States only recently discovered that trash bags should be put in containers to avoid being scattered on the street, spreading stench and attracting animals. After introducing plastic bins for universal use, the next step in the fight against rats is... feeding the rodents contraceptives.

New York City council members will soon debate this unexpected project. The bill proposes to introduce ContraPest on the streets, a measure that reduces the fertility of both female and male rats. Contraceptives would be administered in fat-filled granules.

If the city council approves the bill, an initial 12-month pilot period will be implemented. During this time, contraceptive ampoules for rodents will be placed in two of New York City's most rat-infested areas.

Council member and bill sponsor Shaun Abreu believes the project has a chance of success. He emphasizes that less street garbage will compel animals to consume granules of ContraPest.