I live on a farm and we currently have a problem.  Rats have invaded the barn and are taking over.  The rotten little creatures destroyed several unopened bags of grain and spoiled them, and made a horrible mess.  Nothing could be kept, and it all got thrown out & I am still sweeping up after them.  They can not remain in the barn as they cause substantial damage.  I set out poison.  I stuffed it in nooks and crannys where only the mice and rats can go.  I have eliminated four so far.  Where there is one rat, there could be a hundred.  The fourth rat, I found outside and it was dying.  It required me, to minimize its suffering, to dispatch it quickly.  I grabbed a sharp shovel and bludgeoned it to death.  I am spectaculary bad at that.  I did enable it to pass on quite quickly, but found it a very difficult thing to do.  I hate rats, but it disturbs me greatly to kill them.  They are sentient beings, and quite intelligent, hence the source of my existential angst.  My concience troubles me.  The responsiblilty of farming and keeping the farm free of vermin that cause damage and illness is a bit like Damocles Sword.  I’m not sure I want to have the power of death, even if it is for a rat.  Every time I go to the barn now, I’m afraid of what (or how many bodies) I will find

Susan