On Oct. 30, 2024, state environmental officers seized a squirrel named Peanut and another animal, Fred, from Mark and Daniela Longo’s home and animal rescue in Chemung County. Both animals were later euthanized.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said the animals were euthanized for rabies testing after Peanut reportedly bit someone during the raid, the Times Union reported. At least six DEC officers took part in the seizure.
New York prohibits possession of wildlife except under a DEC license, the department has said, a rule also carried by MyTwinTiers in its account of the Pine City seizure. Mark Longo told the Times Union he knew state law barred owning a wild animal without a license and that he had been filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal.
As of Nov. 9, 2024, DEC said an internal investigation into the seizure and euthanization was ongoing. On Nov. 5, New York State Police said threats reported after the seizure had been deemed non-credible, according to USA Today.
