Mon Nov 04 07:28:21 UTC 2024: ## New York State Euthanizes Beloved Squirrel and Raccoon, Sparking Outrage
**Pine City, NY -** Mark Longo, a man who gained online fame for his pet squirrel Peanut, is vowing to fight back after New York state officials seized and euthanized the animal, along with a rescued raccoon named Fred.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took the animals from Longo’s home and animal sanctuary on Wednesday, citing complaints about illegal and potentially unsafe wildlife keeping. While New York state requires licenses for owning wild animals, Longo claims he was working to get Peanut certified as an educational animal.
The DEC and Chemung County Health Department justified the animals’ euthanization by claiming they needed to be tested for rabies after Peanut allegedly bit someone involved in the investigation. However, Longo denies witnessing any such bite during the hours-long search and maintains that authorities haven’t contacted him since.
Longo, who rescued Peanut seven years ago after its mother was killed by a car, has amassed a large following on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing Peanut’s adorable antics. He was also preparing to release Fred, who had been injured and brought to his doorstep months ago, back into the wild.
The DEC has yet to comment on the situation. Longo, however, is adamant that he will not let this go quietly. He has vowed to “make a stance” on how the government utilizes its resources and plans to take action on what he considers an unwarranted and cruel act.
First Piper 