Residents living on Randolph Road in Toronto’s Leaside community are grappling with a rat infestation allegedly caused by a neighbor who persists in feeding wildlife in her backyard. Jennifer King, a nearby resident, resorted to hiring an exterminator at a hefty cost of $3,000 earlier this year when rats had infiltrated her home’s walls and attic, causing significant distress. She described the situation as “disgusting” due to the audible presence of rats within the walls.
Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, representing the affected homeowners, disclosed that a street resident was previously charged for illegally feeding wildlife and is under scrutiny for yard garbage accumulation. Following a revision in the city’s animal bylaw in 2023, the feeding of backyard wildlife, except for songbirds, was prohibited, triggering a surge in complaints from homeowners about bylaw violations, totaling 3,787 in 2023 and 3,897 in 2024.
City officials highlighted the adverse consequences of feeding wildlife on private properties, emphasizing that it often attracts unintended animals like rodents, posing public health and safety risks. King, a 25-year resident on Randolph Road, shared her firsthand experience of encountering rat tracks and rodents of substantial size in her backyard, leading to property damage and unsettling noises within her home.
Despite King’s efforts to address the issue with her neighbor, the feeding activities persisted, exacerbating the rat presence in the neighborhood. Concerns about health implications and property damage prompted a collective plea from a dozen residents on Randolph Road to cease feeding wildlife, stressing the potential risks associated with such practices.
The ongoing situation has prompted legal actions, with potential fines up to $100,000 for violating the wildlife feeding bylaw. While efforts to address the issue continue, residents are urged to report incidents to 311 for prompt city intervention. Chernos Lin emphasized the importance of open communication among neighbors to prevent escalating disputes and encouraged seeking mediation if necessary to resolve conflicts amicably.