The Auckland council has declared a climate emergency, but I am sure that the ratepayers of Titirangi would much prefer that they paid attention to the core services such as rubbish and sewage, given that they are currently enduring a plague of rats!
To be fair though, rubbish does not appear to be the cause of the infestation.
A community has become over-run by “giant” and brazen rats which have been attracted by food left out for its population of wild chickens.
The solution then, you would think, would be staring them in the face.
Rats “as big as cats” were said to be everywhere in west Auckland’s Titirangi Village, where authorities are scrambling to get the infestation under control.
Locals said the rodents were running rampant near shops, cafes, retaining walls, carparks and near Rangiwai Rd.
Residents of Titirangi Village – which is famed for its wild chickens – said the problem had been going on for months.
So what has changed? If the wild chickens have been there previously without a rat plague then something must have changed. Why the rat plague now?
One resident said the rats were “not scared of humans” and were coming out boldly into the open. […]
Waitakere Ranges Local Board chairman Greg Presland confirmed there was an infestation in the village.[…] Local board chairman Presland said they were aware of concerns raised by residents about the chickens and roosters in the Titirangi town centre.
“We are also aware that a recent rat infestation problem has emerged,” Presland said.
He has met with Auckland Council’s environmental services department and confirmed the deep interest the local community has in dealing with this problem, he said.[…]
Perhaps if Greg Presland spent more time doing his elected job rather than defending the government constantly at The Standard, then his voters wouldn’t have a rat infestation and wouldn’t need to hire a rat catcher general. Just a thought.
[…] “We have an actual rat problem, it’s completely out of control,” Jack said.
Stuff
[…] “They’re the size of cats. We’ve always had chickens in the village but sadly it’s increased the rat population because someone is feeding the chickens too much and are leaving food for the rats as well.
“The balance is not there anymore, it is undermining the natural biodiversity of the area.”
The natural biodiversity? Wild chickens are no more natural to the biodiversity of New Zealand than deer, goats or pigs. This problem is easily fixed. Stop feeding the wild chickens and start eating them instead.