Letter from Francis Estigo Jr.

An Appeal to Our Visitors

As you love your own pets and children, please exercise care when driving in our villages. Watch out for children and pets as you would your own.

Recently I witnessed a very sad and tragic incident where a car driving on Chestnut Street in Cooperstown hit a small dog that had run out into the street. The pitiful and anguished cries of the injured pet and the distraught owner rushing to try to save her beloved pet is something you do not want to witness.

So, please be careful when driving our streets so that you and we may have cherished memories of your visit to our villages.

On another level, it seems appropriate to consider actions that should be taken to prevent such accidents. There should be recognition that such occurrences are the result of two parties’ actions—the driver and the pet owner or parent. Both can take precautions to minimize these accidents from happening. The driver should exercise caution and be alert to stray pets and children. During the height of the tourist season, pet owners should be especially vigilant and use a pet leash, confine their pet indoors or strictly supervise their pet’s outdoor activities and street access.

Similarly, village government itself should erect a few signs on high-traffic streets, warning motorists to watch for children and animals in the road. Local animal welfare or village groups might participate in recommendations and public education efforts to residents and visitors.

Francis Estigo Jr.
Richfield Springs