Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society
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Region served | United States |
|---|---|
Official language | English |
Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society (R.A.T.S.) is a New York City group founded in the 1990s[1] that conducts organized rat catching with ratting dogs. The group was named by founding member Richard Reynolds after Ryders Alley in Manhattan, which was once rat infested, and the trencher-fed pack assembled to hunt.[2][3][4] The group often hunts in Lower Manhattan locations like Theatre Alley where garbage is accessible to vermin.[5][6]
The group responds to calls from citizens, including homeless whom they call their "intelligence network".[7] In 2017, New York City councilmember Eric Ulrich called upon the group to eradicate rats in Ozone Park, Queens and awarded them for their efforts. The dogs each received a "Vigilante Award" from the New York City Council, a dog bone, and beef jerky treats.[8][9]