<<<Every sentient being has a right to a life free from pain and fear.
The fact that most human beings trample all over these rights during every
minute of our existence doesn't make this any less true.
We have, as museum professionals, the opportunity to make important choices
in "pest management" - choices that impact other lives. Can't we all just
find a way to share this world?
>>>>
I have read with interest this thread about pest management and control, (and the various moral implications, and now I have a question. Recently, our 20th Century historic house, had a small outbreak of rodents, in particular at least two snakes and field mice, most likely caused by the change in outside temperature. Our director's suggestion is two bring in two cats (two so that they won't be alone). Our staff seems to have chosen that solution and to have offered to take care of the animals themselves. The staff are quite concerned with the ethics of removing the problem humanitarily but are also are freaked out working in this environment. Only recently, the director accidentally stepped on a snake while walking down a stone stairs. Obviously, this problem has a larger bearing on the state of repair to our building and our collections, and a solution and plan needs to be implemented. But retention and the well-being of our staff is also obviously important, and if we don't do something well ..... Since this is a modern house, mostly of stone and glass, and one where the outside world becomes one with the inside world, there is virtually no way to seal the outside world from the inside, and hence most modern approaches that have been discussed seem to not apply. (For instance there are a 1000 and one entrances, and that many more again if we could seal them off.) I do not even think that hiring an exterminator or pest control agent would solve the problem on a long term basis, nor the use of traps because they would be too numerous and too obvious or visible.
My question here is what should we do? What would the museum response be to hiring two cats. Certainly, it might be more humane than sticky traps or other types. And in this instance, it is this letter writer's opinion that this would be an excellent solution. I know there will be issues about keeping them from breaking things, and causing wear and tear on things like textile coverings and these are issues that we will have to address. It seems a question of the lesser of two or more evils.
I have said I would ask this esteemed list for their suggestions and feedback, and report back soon, so if you would respond either on or off list, I would be most appreciative, and if there are more questions, I would be more than willing to go into further explanation.
With thanks in advance,
William Straus