Did Peanut the Squirrel bite someone? Story behind what led to euthanization of beloved pet explored
For the past seven years, Mark Longo has referred to Peanut the Squirrel as his pet. However, the animal was recently taken away from Longo four days ago and was euthanized on November 1. Following the incident, Longo called New York's plan to capture and put the animal to death a "disgrace."
WNCT's November 2 report stated that the DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health reported that Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were both put down after Peanut bit an investigator. They said in a joint statement,
"To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician."
The statement also said that Peanut was taken from his Pine City, New York, home by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation two days ago, after biting someone who was working on the confiscation investigation.
However, as reported by USA Today on November 4, in response to the same, Longo told NewsNation presenter Chris Cuomo over the weekend,
"What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state. We used resources from this state to kill a squirrel and raccoon and raid my house as if I was a drug dealer. We have resources to kill a raccoon and a squirrel, but we can't fix the major bridges down the street? I am appalled."
Peanut the Squirrel reportedly bit someone which led the authorities to euthanize him
According to a statement from the Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Peanut the Squirrel was put down on November 1. According to the statement, the squirrel bit someone working on the confiscation probe.
As per the same WNCT story, the DEC's statement issued on Friday, November 1, affirms that both animals were put down to test for rabies. It further stated,
“The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus. On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel..”
After the “devastating” event, Mark took to social media to share the news with his followers. Sharing a video of Fred and Peanut, he wrote,
“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief…”
Furthermore, as per TODAY’s November 2 report, the Chemung County Department of Health and the DEC jointly said that it is unlawful to keep juvenile wildlife as pets because they are "not well suited for life in captivity. Plus, they may carry diseases that can be given to people."
Following a search warrant of Longo's Pine City house on Wednesday, October 30, during which DEC agents examined the property for over five hours, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confiscated Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.
According to NBC News's November 1 report, the DEC arrived at Longo's house with "at least six officers" to remove Peanut the Squirrel and Fred after receiving several anonymous complaints about Peanut.
After this, Mark even launched a GoFundMe campaign and a Change.org petition, to obtain funds for the legal fees of the lawyers he was supposed to employ to help them repair the harm and ensure Peanut returned home. However, the authorities eventually euthanized him.