Lead investigator behind seizing of Peanut the Squirrel revealed as officials give update

Investigation Underway After Famous Squirrel’s Euthanization Sparks Outrage

An investigation is currently underway after the controversial euthanization of a popular internet squirrel, Peanut, who was taken from his home by New York State environmental authorities. The case has drawn attention and sparked debate, particularly among animal lovers and social media followers of the beloved animal.

Peanut, known for his large online following, was reportedly seized by officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on October 30. Along with Peanut, a raccoon named Fred was also taken from the same residence. Both animals were euthanized as part of the seizure, a decision that has left many people outraged, especially after the circumstances surrounding their removal were revealed.

The Seizure of Peanut and Fred

Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, described the squirrel as his “best friend” and the “center of [his] world.” According to Longo, about ten officers arrived at his home, a sprawling 350-acre property in Elmira, New York, and took Peanut and Fred without warning. The DEC claimed that the seizure was prompted by reports of the illegal housing of the squirrel and raccoon. While Peanut had become a social media sensation, many were unaware of the legal complexities surrounding the ownership of wild animals in the state.

A statement released by the DEC indicated that during the seizure, Peanut bit one of the investigators. As a precaution, both animals were euthanized and tested for rabies. The DEC explained that this was necessary to ensure public safety and to address any possible health concerns related to the bite.

“Both animals are being tested for rabies, and anyone who may have been in contact with them is encouraged to seek medical advice,” the DEC’s statement read.

Rabies Concerns and Legal Action

The controversy surrounding the deaths of Peanut and Fred has intensified as new details about the case emerge. Sources report that the DEC is now conducting an internal investigation into the manner in which the animals were seized. The decision to euthanize them, despite the lack of prior rabies testing, has raised several questions.

Court records revealed by The New York Post suggest that the original search warrant for the animals focused on the potential illegal housing of wildlife, with no mention of rabies concerns. This revelation has added fuel to the fire, with critics questioning the necessity of euthanizing the animals before any definitive rabies testing could be done.

The investigation into Longo’s treatment of the animals reportedly began earlier in the year, after it was alleged that he was illegally housing a squirrel. However, the recent developments—especially the decision to euthanize Peanut and Fred—have led to even more scrutiny, with calls for transparency from the DEC.

The Euthanization and Public Outcry

Mark Longo, who had shared videos of his close bond with Peanut on social media, expressed his anger and disappointment after the deaths of the two animals. In a TikTok video, Longo described his emotions as “angry, sad, and disgusted,” noting that he felt as though the actions of the DEC were not just unjust but deeply upsetting to his family.

“We work hard every day, paying our state taxes, and this is how they treat us,” Longo said, visibly upset. “This was a family member, not just some animal in a cage. And they took that away from us.”

As a result of the incident, Longo has stated his intention to pursue legal action against the DEC. He has publicly questioned the agency’s decision to euthanize Peanut and Fred, suggesting that there were other, less drastic measures that could have been taken.

“If you think what happened in my home was educational, I don’t know what to say,” Longo told The Post, indicating his frustration with the authorities’ handling of the situation.

Rabies Testing and Delays in Information

As part of the ongoing investigation, the DEC has yet to release the results of the rabies tests for Peanut and Fred. Public health officials, including those from the DEC, the state Health Department, and the Chemung County Health Department, have been involved in the case, but they have not disclosed any updates on the test results or the condition of the investigator who was allegedly bitten.

Rabies tests typically take 24 to 72 hours to complete after an animal has been euthanized, with samples sent to specialized labs. However, sources report that the Wadsworth Center, a lab based in Albany, has not yet released any reports regarding the rabies tests from this case. This delay in information has only intensified the public’s demand for more transparency.

The New York Post has reported that the DEC has been uncooperative in providing these details, and the newspaper has been advised to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in order to obtain the necessary records. The FOIA law allows citizens to request access to government records and is a tool that ensures accountability and transparency in public institutions.

The Broader Debate: Should Wild Animals Be Kept as Pets?

The incident with Peanut has reignited a broader conversation about the ownership of wild animals, particularly those that become social media celebrities. While many people enjoy the novelty of keeping exotic or wild animals as pets, experts argue that this practice can have serious legal, ethical, and health implications. In the case of Peanut and Fred, the DEC’s involvement highlights the complexities surrounding wildlife protection laws and animal welfare concerns.

Some animal rights groups argue that animals like Peanut and Fred should be allowed to live freely in their natural habitats rather than being kept as pets. On the other hand, supporters of Longo’s right to keep the animals as pets have raised concerns about overreach and a lack of clarity in state laws regarding non-traditional pets.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the DEC will face legal consequences for its actions. For now, Mark Longo’s grief and frustration are shared by many who followed Peanut’s online journey, and the situation has sparked important discussions about the rights of animal owners and the responsibilities of wildlife regulators.