A sickening story is emerging of pet dogs exposed to sprayed rat poison in the area around Riverwalk Commons. Residents tell The Daily that at least one dog has died.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A Brief Overview
This story is emerging, and we are sorting through the facts as new information comes in. If you have any information, including photos and videos, relevant to this story, please contact us: davestone13@gmail.com.
At this time, we don’t know who – if anyone – sprayed rat poison in and around Riverwalk Commons. RIOC is responsible for landscaping and groundskeeping in the area. The state agency already has a spotty reputation for the use of poisons and pesticides.
Several years ago, a large kill off of squirrels – collateral damage from rat poisoning – was reported in several areas on Roosevelt Island. Only RIOC has a broad enough sweep for that.
Then, this past summer, a RIOC contractor sprayed pesticides during daylight hours in Southpoint Park. At least ten small animals died unexpectedly at the time. Complicating matters, RIOC was caught lying about it. A representative said that the spraying was done only after hours when the park was closed. But a representative found the RIOC contractor’s own sign contradicting that story.
Warning signs are legally mandatory when pesticides and poisons are used in public spaces. No signs have been reported near Riverwalk Commons.
Is spraying Rat poison legal in new york City?
No, spraying rat poison in public places is illegal in New York City. The city has strict regulations regarding pest control to protect public health and the environment.
If you have a rodent problem in your home or business, it’s recommended to contact a licensed pest control professional. They can provide safe and effective solutions that comply with local laws.
This story will be updated.
Risks Associated with Spraying Rat Poison in Public Places
Spraying rat poison in public places poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Here are some of the primary concerns:
Human Health Risks:
- Accidental Ingestion: Children, pets, and even adults can accidentally ingest rat poison, leading to severe illness or death.
- Secondary Poisoning: Secondary poisoning can occur when predators (such as hawks, owls, or cats) consume rodents that have ingested rat poison. These predators may then be consumed by humans, leading to further exposure.
- Respiratory Issues: Rat poison can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Long-term Health Effects: Chronic exposure to rat poison has been linked to various health problems, including liver damage, kidney failure, and cancer.
Environmental Risks:
- Contamination of Water Sources: Rat poison can contaminate water sources, posing a risk to both human and wildlife health.
- Harm to Wildlife: The poison can harm a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and other mammals.
- Bioaccumulation: Rat poison can accumulate in the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in higher-level predators.
Alternatives to Rat Poison:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach involves a combination of methods to control pests, including habitat modification, sanitation, and biological controls.
- Mechanical Traps: These traps can be effective in capturing and removing rodents without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Snap Traps: Traditional snap traps are a simple and effective way to control rodents.
It is important to note that spraying rat poison in public places is often illegal. If you have a rodent problem, it is best to consult with a professional pest control company to discuss safe and effective solutions.
Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left
There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.
