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Rats: / Texas-Arkansas #204785

CBS Evening News for Tuesday, Jul 29, 1969
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(Studio) Town has problem.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(Texarkana, Texas) 17 rats for every person in town; more than million rats. Several people attacked. [WOMAN - tells of rat biting her toe.] [MAN - says they come up sewer line.] [2nd MAN - says rats have taken over some areas of town.] Rat patrol tries to provide protection. [3rd MAN - shows where they ate corn.] Patrol shoots rats. City has no garbage collection. [Cnty. Health Director Dr. Terry BAILES - says filthy community and people have lousy attitude about health. People used to throwing trash out back door. Rats don't bother them.] Problem worse because town split between Texas and Arkansas. Town denied funds under federal rat control act. To begin compulsory garbage collection next month Greatest problem is apathy. [Sanitarian William WESTBROOK - says no compassion for way people live. Rats won't stay where not welcome. People who don't want them won't have them.] Could be epidemic.
REPORTER: Phil Jones

Reporter(s):
Cronkite, Walter;
Jones, Phil
Duration:
00:06:40

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