For the past decade, the lives of both animals and the local population in Lodi, New York, have been under constant threat due to reckless driving on Lodi Center Road. This situation cannot be ignored any longer, as it puts our pets, local wildlife, and community members at risk of being struck by speeding drivers.

At the end of Lodi Center, particularly where the intersection begins at Smith Road and Dean Road, drivers often reach dangerously high speeds of 80-100 mph. Even as children, we grew up being cautious while crossing the road to our family's homes. Lodi Center is situated amidst the woods, and it is unfair that we should live in fear of traversing our own neighborhood. Although most of our pets and animals remain indoors, there have been instances where they have inadvertently escaped and fallen victim to the reckless driving habits of some residents.

Another distressing issue is the rampant dumping of unwanted animals, especially cats and dogs, on Lodi Center Road. A recent incident involved a pregnant cat being abandoned near my grandmother's house on Lodi Center Road. Unbeknownst to us, she sought shelter beneath her home and gave birth to a litter of kittens. Tragically, the mother cat's back legs were run over, and she was mercilessly shot in the head by Deputy Jacobsen from the Seneca County Police Department. Left to fend for themselves, the kittens faced immense challenges, with one even passing away due to the deputy's negligence at a rescue facility. Another kitten from the litter had to be transported to Cornell University for urgent medical care, as he was suffering from seizures and near death without his mother. The heart-wrenching sight of the mother cat, dragging herself across the lawn with her front legs, hissing and yowling in a desperate plea for mercy, is etched in our memory. We cannot continue to tolerate such appalling situations. We are traumatized and desperately calling for change.

To address these grave concerns, we urge the construction of multiple speed humps along Lodi Center. These speed humps will serve as effective deterrents, making it impossible for locals to speed, thereby safeguarding the lives of our animals and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists who frequently use the road.

Join us in our fight to protect our community, our beloved animals, and create a safer environment on Lodi Center Road. Together, we can make a significant difference by demanding the implementation of necessary measures to prevent further tragedies.

Sign and support this petition to help us create a safer future for all.