Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

August 29, 2008 8:03:31 CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

NYC Fines for Rat-Hunting Cats

Posted Dec 22, 07 2:32 CST in US,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – New York food shops and delis have a way to deal with rats, but health inspectors aren’t purring: Many NYC stores have a cat around to keep out rodents, the New York Times reports. Unfortunately, health inspectors frown on cats and rats with equal fervor. “Any animal around food presents a contamination threat,” one rodentologist explained.

If inspectors find a cat, fines start at $300—the same penalty rodent feces incur. But shop owners tend to fear rodents more, and prefer cats to exterminators. “[The inspector] wants me to get rid of the cat, but the rats will take over if I do,” one grocer lamented. “I need the cat, and the cat needs a home.”

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Food Police Extend Reach to Canada

    Dec 31, 07 12:33 CST
    Food Police Extend Reach to Canada America’s war on trans fats has spread to Canada, where tomorrow Calgary will become the first city to regulate their use. Restaurants will be banned from cooking with ingredients or serving foods containing more than 2% trans fat in total fat content. Some restaurants currently offer food with trans fat levels as high as 42%, the Globe and Mail reports. More »

At this show store, a cat is a welcome addition, but in restaurants it could earn the owners a ticket.   (Getty Images)
A feline sits for the camera in this undated file photo.   (Getty Images)
A cat keeps a grip on his victim in this undated file photo.   (Index Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
How bad is the rat problem in New York City? This bad.   (wwekrazy (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 1)

Tags

New York City  • restaurant  • cat  • rats  • grocery stores  • rodents


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other Arts & Living Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »