Rats seen near Brussels Grand-Place spark major public and governmental concern. National media widely report rats frequenting pedestrian areas and business storefronts.
A chocolate shop window incident involving rats goes viral on social media.
Authorities conduct over one hundred thirty operations, capturing more than one thousand rats. City installs smart traps and boosts central district funding for rat control measures.
Mayor Philippe Close announces rat control as a priority during council meeting. Officials urge residents, businesses to avoid leaving food or waste in public places.