"Residents of a street in Toronto's Leaside neighbourhood say they're fighting a rat infestation brought on by a neighbour who refuses to stop feeding wildlife in her backyard. Jennifer King, who lives near the homeowner being blamed for feeding the rats, said the problem became so bad earlier this year that she had to hire an exterminator at a cost of $3,000 because the rats had invaded the walls and attic of her house. "It's disgusting," she said. "You could hear them in the walls.""
"She's also facing a property standards investigation because of a build-up of garbage in her yard. Until recently, it was legal to feed animals on private property. But in 2023 the city's animal bylaw was amended to outlaw the feeding of backyard wildlife, with the exception of songbirds. Since then, the city says it's received thousands of complaints from homeowners saying their neighbours are violating the bylaw 3,787 in 2023 and 3,897 in 2024."
"City staff told CBC Toronto in an email there are good reasons why feeding wildlife in private yards is a bad idea. "When food is left out accidentally or intentionally for wildlife, it often attracts unintended animals such as rodents, which can lead to public health and safety concerns," the email reads. "Once rats or other pests become established, they can be difficult to control.""
Residents of Randolph Road in Toronto's Leaside neighbourhood are dealing with a rat infestation linked to a neighbour feeding wildlife in her backyard. One homeowner, Jennifer King, hired an exterminator for $3,000 after rats invaded her walls and attic and were audible inside the house. Coun. Rachel Chernos Lin says a woman on the street was charged months ago for illegally feeding wildlife and is facing a property standards investigation over accumulated garbage. The city's 2023 animal bylaw now bans feeding backyard wildlife except songbirds. The city received 3,787 complaints in 2023 and 3,897 in 2024. City staff warn that left-out food attracts rodents and established infestations are difficult to control.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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