Is it ok to release rodents into public parks?

Question

Hello! My house is adjacent to a public park. The park is basically a pond with a trail around it. Right now, there is no water and it is just a beautfil priarie. I've noticed same guy dropping something out of a metal cage. The metal cage looks like a rodent trap. I saw the same guy releasing something to the park about 5 times in last 2 months. The park is just across the street from my house. I don't have any rodent problem or anything. But should I be concerned about this? Or report it to police or village office? or do nothing? Although it causes no impact to my house, I just feel ecky sthat some people are leaving rodents in a park across from me. What do you think? Let it go? Thanks!

Answer 1

The fellow who's releasing his rats in the park thinks he's being kind, but he's being selfish.  He is only transferring his rodent problem onto someone else.  If his rats wanted to be living outdoors, they would be.  But they prefer to live in a building (his, until he catches them).  Those rats will find some other building to live in.  He's just passing along the problem to someone else.  

If a person catches live rats and wants to be humane, they should release the creatures a minimum 50 miles from any dense human habitation.  If this is impractical, the person should consider if their conscience is more bothered by killing a rat, or transferring a burden to a stranger.  It is better in my opinion to kill a rodent than to pass it on to be someone else's problem.  Wild rats carry disease, bite infants, and are loathsome creatures.  There's a reason why releasing them (or any animal) into a park is against the law.  

If it were me, I'd video the guy releasing the rodent and follow him back to his address, so that when I report the incident the police can find him and charge him with evidence.  He'll get fined, and hopefully will stop doing it.  

Meanwhile, check the dumpster lids around your place and try to keep them closed.  Once rats move in, they don't like to leave.

Answer 2

I believe it is illegal. I would report it.

I think you should be concerned. I saw a show about India where they have a horrible rodent problem. Rats can get pregnant at 6 weeks old. They can get pregnant again within days of having a litter.

IF they all lived, one pair of rats could multiply to ONE MILLION in a year.

Luckily a lot of animals feed on them.

Answer 3

I would report it. Dont just sit by and watch and say nothing. It could be against the law. :)

Answer 4

dont worry about it what hes doing is actually better if he killed them instead it might bring bugs which could be worse so just ignore it

Answer 5

If it is native to the area then No it isn't illegal, but releasing pets and foreign animal to the wild is, It is anything from animal cruelty to endangering an Eco system and what ever else they can do to you. the state of Florida is really big on this, you cannot bring or take plant in and out of the state unless you have permission from the Florida dept of wildlife,So yes turn them in, it might double back to your house, you never know.