Rat Invasion at Handelskai: Vienna District Raises Alarm
The rat population at Vienna's Handelskai has increased significantly. The reason: on the towpath, the rodents find plenty of food. On one hand, this comes from food intended for birds and wild rabbits, and on the other hand, the rats search for food scraps left by passersby.
Vienna District Sees Responsibility with Control Authorities
The district is aware of the problem but does not see itself as obliged to take immediate action. District Chairwoman Christine Dubravac-Widholm explains in a statement to "Wien heute": "Against this, we can actually only say – please control more, and please also fine more in part, because apparently, it doesn't work otherwise." Similarly, the district appeals to residents not to feed the already resident rabbits to avoid additionally attracting the rats.
Appeal to Viennese: Feeding as "Misunderstood Animal Love"
The MA 45 (Vienna Waters) as the property owner also has an ear for the situation. In a statement, MA 45 emphasizes that feeding wild animals is often "misunderstood animal love." Wild animals are capable of feeding themselves and do not "beg" out of hunger. Foods like rolls or pasta can harm the animals. Feeding pigeons or waterfowl, as well as leaving food on green spaces or in waters, promotes the rat population and violates the Vienna Cleanliness Act.
Measures Against the Spread of Rats
To control the rat population, the responsible authority has already taken measures. These include "close-knit controls" and additional cleaning actions, during which old food was removed from bushes on the right Danube embankment. In addition, child- and pet-safe bait boxes have been set up for rat control, and the number of signs prohibiting feeding has been increased.
MA 45 also plans further patrols and an action day to educate residents about feeding wild animals.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.