People in the community of Brookline, Massachusetts, have started a petition urging the town's select board to take further action against rats that seem to be running rampant, according to Boston.com.
The group of residents is pushing for the town to include more funding for rat control, after complaints skyrocketed 300-400% since 2019. The town believes the problem was sparked by COVID-19 lockdowns, when people produced more garbage at home and restaurants resorted to outdoor dining.
Once those complaints started piling in, the town decided in October to reallocate $200,000 in federal pandemic funds to finance its Rodent Control Action Plan — which includes smart traps, the hiring of consultants and an informational campaign.
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However, long-term goals such as additional equipment and staff, require full-year funding, which the petition calls for.
"They all have told us, 'We support you, we're going to get this done,' but then they turn around and say 'We just don't have the money,'" Francine Perler said, one of the residents who is collecting signatures.
"Fiscal year 24 budget, where we already have a structural deficit, where we are having to find creative solutions on," town administrator Charles Carey said.
The petition and all the collected signatures are expected to be turned over to the select board on Friday, with hopes to discuss the petition during next week's meeting on Tuesday.
