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NEUILLY-SUR-MARNE WILL BE CALLING ON THE SMALL WEASELS AND DOGS AS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MEANS OF AVOIDING USING CHEMICAL PRODUCTS The town of Neuilly-sur-Marne near Paris is enlisting

the help of ferrets and dogs to solve their rat problem.  The method consists of introducing the ferrets in the underground of buildings and tunnels. They track down the rats and chase them

to the surface where dogs will be waiting for them.  The technique has already been successful in other towns such as Marseille and Toulouse and in other areas of Paris such as Clichy. The

tests in Neuilly-sur-Marne  (Seine-Saint-Denis) will begin on December 9.  Rats have become an increasing problem in the French capital and its surroundings, with local residents saying that

the rodents are no longer scared of humans and can even be seen in daylight.  MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY  The mairie stated that this approach is more environmentally friendly due to the

non-usage of chemical products: “More respectful of the environment and pets, this is part of a sustainable, responsible approach.” Read more: New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop

for dog owners Another reason for the approach is that rats are becoming more resistant to chemical products such as anticoagulants.  COORDINATION REQUIRED The mairie of Neuilly-sur-Marne

announced that it will be targeting mostly municipal buildings, sewage networks, social housing and buildings with tenants that are the worst affected by rats.  They underlined the

importance of coordinated efforts from the residents, namely in not feeding the animals and disposing of their rubbish correctly.  If you live in Neuilly-sur-Marne and see a rat it is

important to alert the relevant authority.  If you see them in a municipal building contact the mairie at 01 43 08 96 96. If you see them in public contact l’Établissement Public Territorial

Grand Paris Grand Est at 0800 50 49 36. Finally, if you see them in your building contact your landlord.