this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2025
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So bad is the situation that local lawmakers declared a “major incident” this month in the city, where some residents say their quality of life is worse than in developing countries and hold it up as an example of “Broken Britain” — which is how some describe the perceived widespread social decay of the U.K. and the breakdown of public services in the country.

“You’re not getting little rats anymore,” Charlie Wilson, 31, said as she sat on her front porch. “They’re getting cat-size.” She added that the smell — which has only gotten worse as spring temperatures have risen — was making her sick.

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[–] tal@lemmy.today 24 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

“You’re not getting little rats anymore,” Charlie Wilson, 31, said as she sat on her front porch. “They’re getting cat-size.”

Birmingham foxes, owls, and badgers were enthusiastic about the situation.

[–] floofloof@lemmy.ca 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Would you rather fight one cat-sized rat or about 3(?) rat-sized cats?

[–] Fingolfinz@lemmy.world 15 points 2 months ago (1 children)

You’re just describing kittens, I’d take the kittens. I’ve seen a rat nearly the size of a cat before and would rather not experience that again

[–] floofloof@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Well I guess that was an easy question. But maybe don't fight the kittens. Just snuggle them.

[–] Fingolfinz@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Have you ever seen a wild rat that size while inside a building at close quarters?

[–] floofloof@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

No. I have met some very nice tame rats, but I imagine the wild giant rat would be less nice. Have you?

[–] Fingolfinz@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have, it was not fun and I’d rather fight kittens

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I don't disagree, but that's really taking the easy way out.

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[–] Fingolfinz@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

That’s fine with me. Work smart, not hard

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 15 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Damn like see one those rats. Maybe they can sell them as pets?

[–] federalreverse@feddit.org 11 points 2 months ago

In absence of any proof of their existence, NBC went with publishing this bullshit anyway. :/

[–] hausthatforrem@lemm.ee 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Eh, I mean what can domestication offer them that they don't already have? A cat-sized rat requires concessions.

[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Who will win a fight? A cat-sized rat or a rat-sized cat? The answer might surprise you.

[–] skulblaka@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 months ago

Domestic rat? Yeah, cat has a chance. Not a great one but it's there.

Feral rat? Wins the fight 11 out of 10 times, cat is cooked

[–] lazynooblet@lazysoci.al 15 points 2 months ago (1 children)

They striked in my town a few years ago. There wasn't any litter on my street as we were still able to put the trash in the car and take it to the refuse dump ourselves. It was an inconvenience but you shouldn't just leave the trash outside to fester. I ended up taking mine and my 2 neighbours trash as they are both elderly.

[–] federalreverse@feddit.org 8 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Some frustrated Birmingham residents have taken the problem into their own hands by driving to the Tyseley waste facility, where the strikes are ongoing, or other waste pits near the area to dispose of their garbage.

But Abdul Sami, 37, said that doing so requires residents to book a slot online and that so many had come up with the same plan that now hardly any slots are available to the public.

[–] lazynooblet@lazysoci.al 4 points 2 months ago

That's unfortunate. My issue was pre COVID. They introduced booking requirements during COVID and kept the policy in place. Lame.

[–] pulsey@feddit.org 2 points 2 months ago

I wouldnt be surprised if someone is getting all the slots and then sells them.

[–] Spacehooks@reddthat.com 2 points 2 months ago

Unleash the mousers!!!

[–] lenuup@reddthat.com 1 points 1 month ago

Great situation with the rising cost of food. Now we can just start cooking those giant rats.

[–] Agent641@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

People need to get to know their waste better.

[–] Kissaki@feddit.org 1 points 1 month ago

That seems wasteful

[–] BilboBargains@lemmy.world -3 points 2 months ago

The English are slowly fading into obscurity. They became hugely powerful during the hegemonic colonial era and that shine diminishes relentlessly year on year. These people cannot change and have consistently failed to take the necessary action to reform. Ironic that they took the word 'reform' to create a party that attracts reactionaries and racists to lead them backwards into obscurity. Good luck English people, you will need it.