⭐️ Key Points You Need to Know ⭐️
- Mark Longo cared for Peanut, an orphaned squirrel, for seven years.
- New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received complaints that Longo was illegally keeping wildlife.
- DEC seized Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon from Longo’s home, later euthanizing them, which sparked widespread backlash.
- Longo advocates for a more humane approach to handling wildlife.
- Read the full story and watch videos of Peanut below.
Heartbreak for Mark Longo as Beloved Squirrel Peanut is Put Down
Mark Longo, a resident of Pine City, New York, is devastated over the loss of Peanut, an orphaned squirrel he had raised and cherished for seven years. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) responded to complaints of illegal wildlife possession and confiscated Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, from Longo’s home. Both animals were euthanized by the DEC, igniting a wave of anger and sorrow on social media.
DEC’s Concerns and Response
According to the DEC, their mission is to protect New York’s natural environment. They also expressed concerns that Peanut could carry rabies, a virus dangerous to animals and humans alike. On October 30, the DEC removed Peanut and Fred from Longo’s care, citing the need for euthanasia to test for rabies as per guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, this decision has triggered a strong reaction online, with many feeling the government’s response was excessive.
A Unique Bond Between Longo and Peanut
Mark Longo and Peanut shared an extraordinary bond. Longo had taken in the squirrel after its mother was killed in a car accident, and the two became inseparable, sharing moments that Longo often posted on social media. Videos of Longo and Peanut enjoying waffles, performing tricks, and cuddling gained them tens of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, where they became an online sensation. Longo’s love for Peanut even inspired him to establish a nonprofit animal sanctuary, P’Nuts Freedom Farm, which cares for animals such as horses, cows, alpacas, and birds.
The Legal Side of Keeping Wildlife in New York
New York law prohibits individuals from keeping young wildlife as pets, even for licensed rehabilitators, who are required to release animals back into the wild after rehabilitation. Longo was reportedly in the process of getting Peanut certified as an educational animal, a designation that might have allowed him to keep the squirrel legally. However, DEC took action before the certification process was completed.
Social Media Reactions: “Justice for Peanut”
Peanut’s story has sparked massive public outcry, with social media flooded with messages demanding “Justice for Peanut.” From expressions of sadness to calls for accountability, the story has touched the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. High-profile figures, including Elon Musk, have criticized the government’s actions, calling them an “overreach.” Even Donald Trump’s campaign TikTok account posted a tribute, featuring a “RIP Peanut” message.
Longo has taken to social media to call for a more compassionate approach to wildlife handling. P’Nuts Freedom Farm’s GoFundMe page aims to hold the DEC accountable and advocates for humane treatment of wildlife.
Mark Longo and his followers continue to mourn the loss of Peanut, a small squirrel who had a big impact.
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