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E-Scooters on our Streets Are Accidents Waiting to Happen
To the Editor:
As long time Peekskill residents, we would like to point out to other Peekskill residents an activity we have noticed lately: school age children riding e-scooters on the street and sidewalks all over town.
We are worried about the safety of these children. They seem to be having fun but are seemingly unaware of their vulnerability. This behavior is in fact very dangerous. They are not wearing helmets; they aren’t following the rules of the road; and, shockingly, sometimes, there are two children on one scooter! Going fast! Without a license or lights.
I know using battery powered vehicles is new to all of us but I feel that it is important to intervene immediately before a tragedy occurs. We are also alerting the Mayor and Council, the Chief of Police and the Peekskill School Board.
Aren’t there laws on the books that would prohibit this behavior? If they exist, why aren’t they enforced? These children need the adults in the community to protect them before someone is seriously injured. We need to join forces and act quickly.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Robert and Kathleen Barthelmes
Peekskill, NY
Stop the Inhumane Use of Rodent Glue Traps
To the Editor:
Is there a product on the market that causes more suffering than a glue trap? Animals stuck on glue traps are terrified and struggle in vain to escape, often having skin, fur or feathers torn off. Attempts to escape can also result in injured organs and broken and chewed limbs. The non-stop agony can last for days until the animal dies from shock or dehydration.
There are many other methods for rodent management, with the best being maximum cleanliness, keeping food in sturdy containers, and sealed bins for garbage. If food isn’t available then rodents won’t stay and reproduce.
Other methods for rodent management include sealing holes with ammonia-soaked cotton, and mint sprays and pouches. If traps are needed, then more humane ones exist.
Furthermore, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against using glue traps because urine, feces and blood stuck on traps puts people who handle them in contact with pathogens.
Fortunately there’s a growing list of countries, territories and entities that are banning glue traps. Ulster County, NY, just passed a measure to ban the use of glue traps in county-owned buildings.
New York State has a bill, S3046B/A54B, that would ban the use of glue traps in state-owned and leased buildings. Residents can ask their assembly members and senators to co-sponsor this bill.
James Scotto
Yorktown Heights, NY
