A night with the rat hunters
Late at night, in parts of Washington, a group of people and their small dogs walk the alleyways and trash bins hunting rats, in a city that\u2019s filled with them. The Post\u2019s Maura Judkis and Bishop Sand report on the hunt and what it says about our relationship with animals.
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The Ratscallions hunt rats with terriers and small hounds in different parts of Washington. Linda Freeman, the group\u2019s leader and a Bedlington terrier breeder, began rat hunting five years ago after being hounded to create a D.C.-based group by the founder of a similar group in New York City.
Despite the illegality of rat hunting in Washington, some residents and police officers thank the group for their efforts. So far this year, calls to the city regarding rat infestations are up compared to 2022. However, some Ratscallions members admit that they are not motivated to control the city\u2019s rat population but rather see it as a team sport that makes their dogs happy.