Modern day equivalents

Also thinking about shape shifting like in ‘Queen Rat.’

'Reptilian humanoids are a common motif in mythology, folklore, crypto zoology, sci-fi, fantasy, urology and conspiracy theories.
They are variously described as beings that evolved on Earth parallel to humanity, extraterrestrials, supernatural entities, or the remains of a pre-human civilization.'
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilian_humanoid)

'There are a variety of conspiracy theories involving reptilian humanoids. Conspiracy theorists believe that the so-called Greys are in fact reptiles, and should be categorized as "Reptoids". Some conspiracy promoters, especially David Icke, have also claimed that they are capable of shape-shifting.'
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilian_humanoid)

'David Vaughan Icke is a British writer and public speaker who has devoted himself since 1990 to researching "who and what is really controlling the world."
According to Mr Icke's beliefs, the world is ruled by a secret group of illuminati, a race of shape-shifting reptilian humanoids known as the Babylonian Brotherhood. Among their number are President Bush, Boxcar Willie and, of course, the Queen.'
(from: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4226273.ece)

So according to David Icke, the Queen is a shape shifter bringing it back to a modern 'Queen Rat' story of shape shifting and London (Buckingham palace.)

However, I'm not sure if it's a good enough match..

Thinking about modern day equivalents to Victorian toshers and the queen rat from the 'Queen Rat' story.

A tosher is someone who scavenges in the sewers, especially in London during the Victorian period. This activity began around the time of the construction of the London sewerage system.
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosher)

A waste picker, or a scavenger, is a person who picks out recyclable elements from mixed waste wherever it may be temporarily accessible or disposed of. A person who scavenges for junk, food, materials, or other items is also referred to as a scavenger. Waste pickers may be employed in material recovery facilities or mechanical biological treatment systems to manually recover recyclables as opposed to automated systems.
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_picker)

Therefore I think that it should be more like, for example, people who mudlark on the Thames.

Victorian toshers - Queen Rat

Modern day...

Mudlarking on the Thames - ?Animal in river?
Homelessness in London - ?Animal in streets? Rat, mice, pigeon, fox.