A woman was charged with allegedly violating a Rhode Island city law against feeding wild animals. The 55-year-old woman's neighbors blame her for making the area's rat problem worse.
Newly installed cameras captured several rats active in the middle of the day. Neighbors say that it's even worse during the night.
The woman and her parents, who own the home, told reporters that she's being charged for feeding birds.
"Who would have known just loving animals gets you that much trouble," she said.
It is prohibited to feed any wild animals including birds in Rhode Island City. Nevertheless, while the woman's intention was to feed birds, it is clear that rats were also benefiting.
Anthony Moretti, director of the city administration, said he saw more than 20 rats near the woman's home. He said it will take months to get the problem under control.