Establish a rat contraceptive pilot program.

A Local Law in relation to establishing a rat contraceptive pilot program

This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), in consultation with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and an expert in rodent control, to establish a pilot program to deploy rat contraceptives within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, for a period of at least 12 months. DOHMH would be required to establish two pilot program areas and at least one comparison area with similar building types. The pilot program areas would be required to be located within rat mitigation zones, with majority residential buildings and where a majority of buildings are required to set out waste in containers. During the pilot program, DOHMH would be required to perform monthly inspections of such areas to track signs of rats. After the pilot period, DOHMH would be required to report to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council findings and other information collected during the pilot program.