Animal welfare charity PETA has sent a humane rat trap to Wormwood Scrubs and is urging staff there to deal with its rise in rodent numbers humanely.
The prison in White City was subject to a critical report published on April 12 which highlighted a string of problems and failings , and included a problem with rats.
Now the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling on authorities to not harm the animals and gave advice on how to deal with the problem.
PETA campaign coordinator Kirsty Henderson said: “By choosing non-lethal, humane traps, Wormwood Scrubs will set the right example to prisoners that all living beings deserve to be treated in a non-violent, compassionate and respectful manner,”
In a letter written to Governor Steve Bradford, she says killing rats is not only cruel but also ineffective.
As long as the area remains hospitable, more rodents will simply move in to take the place of those killed. She says: “Simply modifying the environment to make it less desirable to them will encourage them to stay away. These modifications can include keeping food in sealed containers and sealing any holes in walls and foundations.
“Rats who do get in should be removed using humane box traps, which must be checked several times a day to prevent captured rats from suffering from dehydration or starvation. Once caught, they can then be harmlessly released into an unpopulated area.
“Lethal measures such as glue traps, which cause animals to die slowly and painfully of starvation or dehydration, and poisons should never be used.”
She adds: “They are also fastidiously clean animals who groom themselves several times a day and are less likely than dogs or cats to transmit parasites and viruses. They, like all animals, deserve our compassion, so it’s essential that we use humane methods to solve perceived problems with them.”
The jail was criticised following the report by a prisoners' welfare charity .
