Contact your Local Media about a Mice or Rat Cull

Here is an example of a press release to be sent to your local newspaper. If you choose to use our example, please amend it to include the relevant information. Get in touch if you would like us to send you the contact details of your local papers and radio station, etc. 

Local residents condemn [Name of Council/local group/school etc] plans to cull rats and/or mice* as cruel and a waste of resources 

It has emerged that [Name of Council/ club or school] plans to cull rats and/or mice* in the local area. Residents were horrified that the council has made such a cruel and short-sighted decision, which may also harm other wildlife. 

Residents are concerned about the cruelty associated with culling. Snap traps may not kill rodents instantly and so an animal can be left to die a slow and painful death. Rodent poisons, typically cause animals to die from internal bleeding, which can take several days. Poisons can also damage the environment and may affect non-target species, such as foxes, birds of prey, cats and dogs. 

Most councils now understand that killing wildlife is cruel, ineffective and a waste of money. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more rats and/or mice* will quickly replace those killed, leading to an endless cycle of culling and expense for councils. This also represents a waste of council tax revenue [if carried out by a council].  

There are many humane ways to deter rats and/or mice* from an area. For example, by ensuring buildings are well maintained and that holes are blocked. The council has been sent resources outlining humane deterrents and has also been provided with the details of companies specialising in humane wildlife deterrence.  

[Add your own quote here, for example] 

*Please amend as appropriate. 

 Tips 

• If you have created a petition, you could put in the link and if you are planning an action or demonstration, you could also mention the details.  

• Remember to include your name and phone number.  

Letter to the Editor 

Another option is to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (or even a national one). This can be useful if there is already an article about the cull in the paper, either opposing it or championing it. Your letter can refer to this earlier article or letter and either agree with it or challenge it. Letters to the editor are usually shorter.  

We have lots of tips on writing a letter to the editor in our “Get Active for Animals Guide” 

Below is an example of a letter to the editor. Please use this example as a guide and amend it to include the relevant information. 

Dear Letters Editor, 

I was shocked to see that [Name of council/school etc] is planning to cull rats and/or mice* at [location]. Lethal methods are cruel and can inflict terrible suffering. Snap traps may not kill rodents instantly and rodent poisons can cause a painful and prolonged death. 

Poisons can also damage the environment and may kill non-target species, such as hedgehogs and birds of prey. In a world where wildlife is rapidly declining, we should be taking measure to protect the other species that we share our planet with. 

As well as being cruel, killing rats and/or mice* does not work, so it is a waste of resources. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more animals will quickly replace those killed. 

I hope the council will reconsider its decision to cull the rats and/or mice* and instead opt for non-lethal humane methods, such as employing sonic repellents. I urge other concerned residents to contact [Name of council/school etc] Thank you.  

[Your name] 

[Local Resident] 

*Please amend as appropriate.