不是每个人都喜欢这个主意。人道协会啊f the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have both noted that it'snot very humane for the rats. There is a bit of worry that it's dangerous for the dogs, who could contractleptospirosis, a bacterial infection common in rats. Some also worry that the dogs could ingestrat poisonthat the rats themselves have eaten, but it hasn't been an issue so far. The dogs have suffered a few scratches and minor bites, but the team carries first aid supplies.
Ratting with dogs is not illegal in the city, and some are all for it. Residents are encouraged to contact R.A.T.S. if they notice an outdoor rat infestation sightings, and they do. There's no charge, though the group does note that "coffee, water and kudos are appreciated." They received the latter in 2017, when the group washonored by the Queens City Councilman Eric Ulrichfor their work. The humans received commendations; the dogs were given bones and beef jerky.
For dogs outside the city who might like to do what they were born to do, there'sbarn hunt. In this sport, which became official in the United States inApril 2013, the dogs track the rats over and around obstacles such as hay bales. The rats themselves are housed in aerated tubes so the dogs can smell and hear them, but they cannot kill them.