WASHINGTON (7News) — D.C. leaders are weighing new restrictions on the use of rat poison in the District and changes to how the city tracks rodent activity after a marathon meeting that highlighted concerns about both public safety and the accuracy of current reporting.
One of the most serious issues raised during the public hearing revolves around rodenticide exposure, especially involving kids. Councilmember Christina Henderson shared that one local hospital reported 12 cases of pediatric hospitalization tied to rat poisoning in the past year. She and other community members expressed concerns over the fact that D.C residents are apparently purchasing rat poisons for home use and trying to address infestations themselves.
“D.C. residents are buying rat poisons by the bucket load and taking vigilante rat control into their own hands,” Max Broad, the Executive Director of DC Voters for Animals, testified. “Due to a loophole in D.C. law, only pest control professionals require certifications to use dangerous chemicals. Members of the public buy these readily available poisons and deploy them without fear or consequence for those they may harm.”…