Right out of the Dark Ages.
I’d ask if I could bring a 22 and night vision goggles. No more live rats, target practice time, a win win.
Seriously, what those folks died of could easily be spread when those rats returned to the streets and bit someone.
Rats — nasty little critters!
Night vision glasses and a .22. Some solutions are simple and fun!
Over-penetration and ricochet? I'd go with a .177 air rifle. I've taken down mice that way, always on the first shot even when moving.