Ald. Hadden Urges Neighbors To Be Vigilant of Misplaced Rat Poison

Ald. Maria Hadden’s (49th) office has been receiving reports of inappropriate use of rat poison around the intersections of West Farwell Avenue and North Sheridan Road and West Fargo Avenue and North Ashland Boulevard. 

Hadden brought the issue to the neighborhood’s attention in her Oct. 26 newsletter, linking to a TikTok video in which she further explained the situation.

Hadden’s office has been receiving reports of errant use of rat poison and harmful impacts on local wildlife, according to the video. The concerns mainly surround native animals, small children and pets. Hadden advised residents to stay vigilant and watch for the poison, which appear as green granular packets.

Aleksander Sergienko, who’s lived in Rogers Park for over a year, said he heard about the investigation after spotting dead squirrels throughout the neighborhood. 

“I saw a lot of dead bodies of squirrels and thought it was weird,” Sergienko said. “Then, a friend told me about it.”

Sergeinko said he wasn’t concerned for his dog, but other residents said otherwise. 

Resident Edward Smithey said he briefly heard about the news from his neighbor when he was walking his dogs and was warned to watch out for green pellets. He said he’s been more cautious as he continues to walk his dogs in the neighborhood.

“I have no choice but to walk them here,” Smithey said. “I don’t have a car to take them anywhere else.”

Smithey said he recognizes the need to control rodent populations, especially considering Chicago’s status as the rattiest city in the U.S., The Phoenix reported. However, he said there are better ways to quell rodents that don’t include poison. 

Hadden said in her video Chicago’s high standards regarding the location of rat poison and other measures means the poison found around Roger’s Park streets doesn’t belong to the city. 

Director of Public Affairs at the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Mimi Simon said the department receives thousands of 311 calls every year, where their crew responds by surveying outside and around residence buildings under four stories tall. She recommends residents and landlords seal up homes and garbage, ensure vegetation is harvested and clear up pet excrement to keep rats away.

Miriam Reuter, who’s lived in Rogers Park since 2005, said she felt nervous her dog was going to find a way to eat the poison.

“I don’t expect Chicago Police to do anything,” Reuter said. “But maybe community awareness regarding what the pellets look like would help.” 

Resident Vicky Jackson said while she hasn’t seen much information regarding the rat poison, she’s previously seen signs and blocked-off areas regarding pesticide use around the neighborhood. She said she suggests doing the same thing to raise awareness about the poison. 

“We should post up saying, ‘Hey, someone’s dropping rat poison,'” Jackson said. “Especially since we’re so dog-orientated.”

In her video, Hadden disproved rumors claiming local business Giordano’s laid out the poison and said it must be an individual. She also said the poison wasn’t distributed by the city.

“They have high standards of where they are allowed to put rat poison and abatement measures,” Hadden said. “It’s never going to be laid out on the ground.”

Dr. Alexandra Andhasi, who works at nearby Oz Animal Hospital, said her clinic has received several calls from people finding dead rodents and squirrels in the area. They’ve put out a warning for the neighborhood and clients to be mindful and keep an eye out for the pellets. 

“In messaging, the city has not put out where the pellets are from,” Andhasi said. “The question is — what kind of poison are we dealing with?”

Andhasi said there are many different types of rat poison, one of which is specifically threatening to pets. She said she wants people to be vigilant when out with their pets.

“I want them to watch to ensure that their pet is not eating things off the sidewalk,” Andhasi said. “If they do, try to get that out of their mouth as soon as possible and try to see what it is.”

If a dog shows any concerning symptoms, regardless of whether or not there’s any risk of rodenticide in the area, Andhasi said residents should call their local vet and ideally go to an ER as soon as possible.

While the alderwoman hasn’t provided any updates regarding the source of these pellets, Hadden said if a resident comes across anything resembling rat poison, they should contact her office with photos by emailing [email protected] or by calling 773-338-5796.