German Politician: Let the Poor Catch Rats

Advocates for poor squeal about Dickensian plan
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 17, 2008 7:04 AM CST

One German politician has a solution to help Berlin's poor: let them catch the rats that are plaguing the city. "People who collect bottles could get one euro [$1.40] for every dead rat," he cheerfully explained. But the Dickensian plan, which may be officially introduced today, wasn't widely hailed. "It's inhuman and cynical to send poor people out to chase rats," said an activist. Besides, the rats are protected by law against inhumane treatment.
(More rats stories.)

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