Turf War: Coney Island residents say rats are keeping cats away
Pictures show that even the neighborhood cats have given up the fight and are sharing food sources with the rodents.
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Some Coney Island residents say they’re fed up with rats running around their neighborhood and even keeping cats away from West 32nd Street between Surf Avenue and the Coney Island boardwalk.
“The rats [are] chasing you,” said Tammy, of Coney Island. “They’re not even scared of you. My dog [is] running from them.”
“They come this way, back and forth, back and forth,” said Elaine, of Coney Island. “And late at night, you’re scared to take the garbage out.”
“They come right out to our feet,” said Suzanne Hernandez, of Coney Island. “They’re all over us.”
Hernandez said it’s a turf war between rats and cats - and the cats don't stand a rat's chance.
Hernandez told News 12 that she runs a trap, neuter and release program for the neighborhood cats that are feral or dumped in the area.
“Some of [the cats] are in very bad condition,” said Hernandez. “We’re trying to trap them now and get them medical help.”
But Hernandez said that as soon as she puts out food and traps for the cats, the rats are already taking over.
“It’s impossible,” said Hernandez. “The cats don’t want to go into the trap because the rats are going into the traps.”
Neighbors said they’ve filed multiple 311 complaints.
Statement from the New York City Department of Health and Hygiene: “The NYC health department received this complaint and the location has been scheduled for inspection. Inspection results will be available on the rat information portal within 72 hours of inspection. For more information on rat complaints and inspections, visit the environment and health data portal.”
