A Philadelphia councilmember introduced a resolution urging the Department of Public Health and other agencies to take action on what he described as a “growing rodent infestation” in the Lower Northeast section of the city.
On Oct. 1, Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced the resolution calling on health officials to treat the rodent infestation as an “urgent public health and quality-of-life emergency” requiring immediate action in several neighborhoods, including Oxford Circle and Castor Gardens.
According to the resolution, reports have identified improperly stored trash, neglected properties, structural openings, abandoned vehicles and other factors contributing to rodent activity in the area.
“Rodent infestations create significant public health, safety, and financial concerns, as rats can contaminate food and living spaces, gnaw through building materials and electrical wiring, burrow beneath properties and outdoor spaces, and damage personal property,” the resolution says.
Read the full resolution below
The resolution specifically urges the Department of Public Health, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Department of Sanitation and the Managing Director’s Office to coordinate a response focused on the hardest-hit areas.
Phillips also called on the agencies to prioritize inspections, treatment, sanitation enforcement, property remediation and enforcement against repeat offenders.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
