Wed Nov 06 13:05:25 UTC 2024: ## Squirrel Social Media Star Euthanized by New York State, Owner Vows Justice
**Pine City, NY** – Mark Longo, owner of a pet squirrel named Peanut who amassed a large following on social media, is vowing to fight back after the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized and euthanized his beloved pet. The squirrel, along with a rescued raccoon named Fred, were taken from Longo’s home and animal sanctuary on Wednesday.
The DEC claims the animals were kept illegally and potentially unsafely, citing state law that requires a license for owning wild animals. Longo claims he was in the process of obtaining a permit for Peanut to be certified as an educational animal.
On Friday, the DEC and Chemung County Health Department announced both animals were euthanized for rabies testing after Peanut allegedly bit someone during the investigation. Longo denies witnessing any such incident and describes the search of his property as an hours-long “heavy-handed” operation. He expressed disbelief and anger at the authorities’ actions, stating that they were “targeted” and the animals were killed without quarantine or even a conversation with him.
Peanut, known for wearing tiny hats, performing tricks, and enjoying waffle snacks, had garnered tens of thousands of followers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Fred, the raccoon, was found injured and nursed back to health by Longo and his wife, who planned to release him back into the wild.
Longo has not disclosed his exact plans for seeking justice but insists that the DEC will hear from him. He is calling for accountability for the “utilization of their resources” in this situation.
The DEC has yet to comment on the situation.
First Piper 