NYC has many more rats per capita than other large cities, and comparatively does not keep them in check. They may not spread a lot of disease (which is unconfirmed, by the way, we really have no idea how much healthier the city would be without them), but they do steal stuff, break things, and cause other problems.

Example: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-chipotle-besieged-...