Rat catchers of New York

A member of Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society leads his dog, Paco, a Feist terrier, though a vacant lot near trash dumpsters during an organized rat hunt on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014. The Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society (R.A.T.S.) is a group of enthusiasts who take their dogs out to hunt rats in New York City. Members of the independent group venture out on nighttime excursions to allow their dogs to do what they do best: hunt and kill vermin.

Catching rats in NYC

Judy stands by as her Border Terrier, Merlin, searches for rats during an organized rat hunt on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Merlin, a Border Terrier, stands by a dead rat which he killed during an organized rat hunt on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Merlin, a Border Terrier, hunts for rats in a dumpster as his owner Judy looks on, during an organized rat hunt on New York's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Richard Reynolds (L), a founding member of the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society, uses a flashlight to look for rats in a dumpster as Judy (R) and her Border Terrier Merlin stand by, ready to make a kill, during an organized rat hunt on New York's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Catcher, a Bedlington Terrier, pulls on his leash during an organized hunt for rats with the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society in New York City, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Tanner, a Border Terrier, kills a rat during an organized rat hunt on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Richard Reynolds, left, founding member of the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society, stands with others during an organized rat hunt on New York's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Catcher, left, a Bedlington Terrier, and Tanner, a Border Terrier, hunt for rats in a small park on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Merlin, a Border Terrier, stands over a dead rat he killed during an organized rat hunt on New York City's Lower East Side, July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

Richard Reynolds, second from right, and other members of the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society (R.A.T.S), hunt for rats on New York's Lower East Side in Manhattan July 25, 2014.

Catching rats in NYC

A New York City Police patrol car passes as Richard Reynolds, left, and other members of the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society (R.A.T.S) watch Reynolds's Bedlington Terrier, Catcher, stand on a pile of garbage bags during an organized rat hunt in New York City, July 25, 2014.