Minnesota man throws dead rat at city council meeting over rodent complaint

A southern Minnesota city said on Wednesday it may file a criminal complaint against a man who threw a dead rat on the council’s desk during a recent council meeting, according to KAAL, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS sister station. City officials said Patrick Neilon threw a rat in frustration with the city’s failure to exterminate rodents from a neighbor’s property, KAAL reported. Council members said Neilon’s complaint stemmed from chickens on his neighbor’s property, which attracted rats to his home. Emergency city council meeting in Twin Lakes, Minnesota on Oct. 21, 2026. (KAAL) Council members said they previously passed an ordinance limiting how many chickens a household can own. City Clerk Keith Haskell told KAAL that city staff investigated the property over the summer and found no evidence of chickens. Meanwhile, Councilor Lynda Vis said homeowners are responsible for pests. “I personally think that’s something you take care of yourself,” Vis said. After the meeting, c