D.C. Council bill gives "pests" protections

The D.C. Council gave tentative approval Tuesday to a bill that would implement tough new standards for how animal and pest control companies rid District homes and properties of unwanted wild animals.

The bill, which does not apply to residents or property managers, requires that animal control operators take “all reasonable steps” to try to guarantee the use of humane and non-lethal force in the capture of nuisance and unwanted animals.

The bill outlaws the use of glue, leg hold and "body-gripping" or body crushing traps or snares to catch nuisance animals such as raccoons or foxes. It also bans the use of poison to control pigeons and sparrows.

The legislation exempts rats and mice, meaning lethal traps can still be used to eliminate those animal.

Check out the D.C. Wire for more on this story.

-- Tim Craig