JASON RANTZ

Attempts to kill South Lake Union rats allegedly harm dog

Dec 29, 2015, 8:27 AM | Updated: 9:40 am

A local Seattle blog reports a dog ingested rat poison while walking through South Lake Union. KIRO...

A local Seattle blog reports a dog ingested rat poison while walking through South Lake Union. KIRO Radio's Jason Rantz says people fighting against the growing rat problem should consider other animals that might be impacted by their decisions. (AP)

(AP)

Not long ago, we brought you the story of how South Lake Union is having a bit of a rat problem. Back in September we reported rats were invading the neighborhood.

These rats are making their homes in current and future developments, and it’s getting bad.

Now, some people are starting to fight back. However, in at least one case, whomever is combating the rats hasn’t figured out what the term “unintended consequences” means.

According to local blog Seattle Dog Spot, someone scattered rat poison around sidewalks and in shrubs, presumably to kill the rats. But dogs are eating the poison, too.

According to the owner of one dog who ate the rat pellets, they saw about 50 bags of rat poison “in the planters outside” two businesses.

And this isn’t a type of rat poison that is safe for animals. According to photos of the rat poison bags, it’s a brand called Ramik Green, which has a label that says “HAZARD TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS CAUTION: Keep away from humans, domestic animals and pets.”

Apparently the poison causes internal bleeding where the animal who ingests to poison will die in three to five days. The dog, in this case, was quickly treated by an emergency veterinarian and is expected to live.

I understand the need to kill the rats in the neighborhood, but maybe next time use a little common sense?

Jason Rantz on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to jason rantzTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 3-7pm toThe Jason Rantz Show.

Jason Rantz Show

Jason Rantz

Burien lawsuit...

Jason Rantz

Exclusive: City of Burien sues King County for breaking contract in homeless camping ban

The City of Burien filed a lawsuit against King County for its refusal to enforce a homeless camping ban that was lawfully adopted.

6 hours ago

Image: The Stevens County Sheriff's Office says it recently received an odd call from a Sasquatch h...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Sheriff’s office asked legality of hunting Sasquatch in Stevens County

A Sasquatch hunter had an interesting question for the Stevens County sheriff. Is it legal to hunt Sasquatch?

22 hours ago

Image: Children bike past Wilson Elementary in Spokane....

Jason Rantz

Rantz: ‘Racist’ Spokane elementary school’s ‘slaves and hobos’ ignites controversy

After a teacher told students they could dress as "slaves and hobos" for an event, the Spokane NAACP cried foul.

2 days ago

Images: At left, Bellevue Police Department Officer Kevin Bereta is seen in his uniform. At right, ...

Julia Dallas

Bellevue officer injured in VP Harris motorcade recalls road to reclaiming benefits

Bellevue Police Officer Kevin Bereta's life changed while he was on VP Kamala Harris' service detail during her visit to Washington.

2 days ago

permanent supportive housing...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: You’re being lied to about permanent supportive housing in Redmond

Redmond residents rightly push back against permanent supportive housing as a solution for the homeless, as Seattle media get in the way.

3 days ago

WA State Attorney General Bob Ferguson campaigning.  (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: On crime, Bob Ferguson campaign made its first massive blunder

The Bob Ferguson campaign wants you thinking his top priority is crime. His entire political history says otherwise.

4 days ago

Attempts to kill South Lake Union rats allegedly harm dog