NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Longo, a devoted pet owner who transformed an orphaned squirrel into a beloved social media sensation, expressed his determination on Saturday to challenge New York state’s recent decision to seize and euthanize his cherished animal, Peanut. This decision, made on October 30, 2024, has sparked outrage among Peanut’s fans, and Longo vowed that their voices would resonate in protest.
“We will make a stance on how this government and New York state utilizes their resources,” Longo declared in a phone interview, emphasizing his commitment to defending his pets and advocating for animal rights.
Although Longo refrained from revealing specific details about potential actions he might take, he assured that authorities would soon be made aware of his grievances regarding the fate of both Peanut, affectionately known as P’Nut, and Fred, a raccoon he rescued, both of whom were caught in this controversial regulation.
The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated the beloved animals from Longo’s residence and animal sanctuary located in the picturesque rural enclave of Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border. The agency acted upon complaints alleging that wildlife was potentially being kept in unsafe and illegal conditions.
State law mandates that individuals must secure a license to own wild animals, a requirement Longo was actively addressing with hopes of certifying Peanut as an educational animal to be enjoyed by the community.
The DEC, along with the Chemung County Health Department, reported on Friday that both the squirrel and raccoon were euthanized for rabies testing purposes following an incident where Peanut allegedly bit an investigator. Longo disputed this claim, asserting he witnessed no such bite during what he characterized as a prolonged and aggressive search of his home.
“Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them,” Longo expressed with palpable frustration, adding, “They took them from my house and just killed them.”
Longo recounted the touching backstory of Peanut, a squirrel he took in seven years ago after the animal’s mother was tragically killed by a car in New York City. Since then, Peanut captured the hearts of tens of thousands of social media users across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, delighting fans with adorable photos, including tiny hats, impressive tricks, and the quirky sight of nibbling on waffles.
Furthermore, Longo shared the story of Fred the raccoon, who appeared on his doorstep several months prior. After nursing Fred back to health from injuries, he and his wife had planned to release the raccoon back into the wild, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare.
**Interview with Mark Longo: Advocate for Animal Rights and Caretaker of Peanut the Squirrel**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Mark. It must be an incredibly difficult time for you after the loss of Peanut. Can you share what emotions you’re feeling right now?
**Mark Longo**: Thank you for having me. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions—anger, sadness, and disbelief. Peanut wasn’t just a pet; he was a part of my family and a source of joy for so many people online. It’s heartbreaking that a creature so full of life can be taken away in such a manner.
**Interviewer**: The decision by New York state to seize Peanut has sparked significant outrage among his fans. How do you plan to address this situation moving forward?
**Mark Longo**: I feel a responsibility to not only mourn Peanut but to also advocate for other animals in similar situations. We will be organizing protests and utilizing social media to raise awareness of how wildlife is treated under such regulations. It’s vital that the community’s voice is heard. We need to stand up for animal rights and ensure that no one else has to experience this.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned in your statement that you would be challenging the state’s decision. Can you elaborate on what that might entail?
**Mark Longo**: While I can’t disclose specific legal strategies just yet, I’m in contact with animal rights organizations, and we’ll be exploring every avenue possible to bring attention to this issue. Peanut and Fred, the raccoon I rescued, deserve better than to be viewed as mere statistics or casualties of bureaucracy.
**Interviewer**: There were allegations regarding unsafe conditions leading to the seizure of your animals. How do you respond to those claims?
**Mark Longo**: That’s absolutely untrue. I’ve dedicated my life to creating a safe and nurturing environment for these animals. I had raised Peanut from an orphan and poured my heart into ensuring he was healthy and happy. The allegations are baseless and stem from what I believe is a misunderstanding of pet care for unconventional animals.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what message do you want to convey to Peanut’s fans and the public?
**Mark Longo**: My message is clear: we must advocate for the voiceless. Peanut brought joy to thousands of people, and he deserved to live. I encourage everyone to join us in fighting for animal rights and ensuring that regulations are fair and compassionate. This is not just about Peanut; it’s about protecting all animals from unjust treatment. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
