Group uses dogs to hunt rats in New York City
NEW YORK (WABC) -- One group is keeping the New York City rat population in check by letting dogs hunt them.
The group's name is "Rats".
They use dogs that are historically known as vermin killers.
They say taking them out to hunt is not as much about getting rid of rats, as it is protecting the integrity of the breed.
The group has been doing it for about 25 years and argues it is humane.
"The traps are inhumane, the poison is more inhumane, it takes, if you use poison, it takes the rat weeks to die," said Richard Reynolds, a "Rats" member.
The group is also working with Fordham University on a DNA study of the rats in Manhattan.
They are in the early stages, but so far they've noticed a difference in uptown and downtown rats.
Rats living below 42nd Street seem to move around more.
