Man Challenges New York's Decision to Euthanise His Beloved Squirrel Peanut Amid Wildlife Regulations

A man in New York is speaking out after state authorities seized and euthanised his pet squirrel, Peanut, and a raccoon named Fred. Mark Longo, who had taken in the orphaned squirrel and made it popular on social media, expressed his discontent with the state's actions. "We will make a stance on how this government and New York state utilises their resources," Longo stated during a phone interview.

Longo's home and animal sanctuary in Pine City were visited by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) last Wednesday. The agency acted on complaints about wildlife being kept illegally and possibly unsafely. According to state law, a license is required to own wild animals. Longo had been working to get Peanut certified as an educational animal.

Social Media Fame and Legal Challenges

Peanut became an online sensation, delighting tens of thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The squirrel was often seen wearing small hats, performing tricks, and nibbling on waffles. Longo began caring for Peanut seven years ago after the animal's mother was killed by a car in New York City.

Fred the raccoon was left at Longo's doorstep a few months ago. After nursing Fred back to health, Longo and his wife intended to release him into the wild. However, both animals were confiscated by authorities during their visit to Longo's property.

Investigation and Euthanasia

The DEC and Chemung County Health Department reported that Peanut and Fred were euthanised for rabies testing after Peanut allegedly bit someone involved in the investigation. Longo disputes this claim, stating he did not witness any biting incident during what he described as an extensive search by authorities.

"Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal," Longo said about the situation. He expressed disbelief that the state targeted him and took away two beloved animals without even quarantining them first. He mentioned that officials have not communicated with him since leaving his property.

Future Actions

Longo has not detailed his next steps but indicated that he plans to address what happened to Peanut and Fred soon. A request for comment was sent to the DEC on Saturday regarding the incident.

The case highlights ongoing debates about wildlife ownership laws and animal welfare practices. As Longo prepares to take further action, many are watching to see how this situation unfolds in New York.