In an unusual incident that has caused a stir in Seine-Saint-Denis, a three-year-old boy spent several hours at his preschool with a dead mouse lodged in his slipper. The discovery at Jean-Baptiste-Du-Hamel kindergarten in Neuilly-sur-Marne has reignited concerns over persistent rodent issues in the area.
The child’s mother expressed her outrage on social media, describing the situation as “incredible, scandalous, and shameful.” Her post, showcasing a photograph of the slipper and the deceased rodent, quickly gained attention. Fortunately, after a precautionary hospital visit, the child was found to have no injuries.
The incident has drawn the attention of local officials. Thomas Portes, a member of parliament representing the area, condemned the situation, highlighting the potential health risks posed to children. He urged the local authorities to implement more effective measures to address the ongoing rodent problem.
The issue of rodent infestation in Neuilly-sur-Marne schools is not new. A preventive campaign was conducted last spring, followed by another report in September when school supplies were found gnawed, and droppings were discovered by teachers. In January, the municipality conducted two additional interventions, employing both chemical treatments and ferrets to combat the pests.
Zartoshte Bakhtiari, the mayor of Neuilly-sur-Marne, defended the current measures, asserting that the presence of a dead mouse indicates the effectiveness of their protocols. He emphasized the municipality’s swift response to any reports of infestation, noting that urgent interventions are carried out promptly, even at increased cost.
However, the situation has also sparked controversy and allegations of political manipulation. Mayor Bakhtiari expressed concern over what he perceives as an “instrumentalization” of the incident, hinting at underlying tensions with the school’s administration. He urged all parties to remain reasonable amidst the ongoing discussions.
The incident continues to draw public attention, as debates over the adequacy of current measures and the broader implications for local governance unfold.
