When the Cat's Away, You Have to Keep the Bread in the Freezer

Under New York City's health code, deli and grocery store owners can be fined for having rats on the premises. But they also can be fined for having cats, a cheap and effective way to kill and repel rats:

The city's health code and state law forbid animals in places where food or beverages are sold for human consumption. Fines range from $300 for a first offense to $2,000 or higher for subsequent offenses.

"Any animal around food presents a food contamination threat," said Robert M. Corrigan, a rodentologist and research scientist for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

As The New York Times notes, "the fine for rodent feces is also $300." Bodega owners seem to prefer the company of cats.