Inhumanity, cruelty, tragedy, death of two innocent creatures. P’nut & Fred could have been put in a wildlife rescue while Longo got the required permits.
Thank you, Andrea, for your heartfelt response. I understand your frustration and sadness—what happened to Peanut and Fred is truly heartbreaking. It’s hard to comprehend why more compassionate options, like placing them in a wildlife rescue, weren’t considered while Mark worked on getting the permits. Your reaction echoes what so many of us are feeling, and it’s a reminder of how important compassion should be in these situations. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and standing up for these innocent animals.
Such a sad outcome for these animals and their caretaker. It's true that, all too often, wildlife agencies don't use more discretion and prudence when dealing with wildlife issues, especially in unique circumstances that merit more consideration and compassion. The response should not automatically revert to the destruction of animals. One can hope that the public backlash might serve as a teachable moment for the agency, but I rather doubt it.
Annoula, I agree—this is a sad and avoidable outcome for both the animals and their caretaker. It’s frustrating to see that discretion and compassion weren’t prioritized in this unique situation. Like you, I hope that the public outcry will lead to some reflection and change within the agency, though I understand your skepticism. Let’s keep pushing for more humane approaches in the hope that this can indeed become a teachable moment.
I believe compassionate folk can care for a squirrel quite well… if I ever find one in need… I will definitely nurture it and care for it… thankfully folk of your ilk can’t find me and report my squirrel to the state for execution.
Squirrels aren't pets. They are wildlife. I feel it's inhumane to keep them as pets without proper training. If it's illegal to keep wildlife as pets in your state, they cannot get medical care ( a veterinarian will lose their license for treating animals kept illegally). I have seen so many wildlife kept illegally who are later surrendered when they get sick, injured, or too wild and their "owners" don't want to deal with them anymore. Really horrible situations that either result in their euthanasia (because they are too far gone) or lots of unnecessary pain and expense.
I see illegally held animals as prisoners. I'm sure you don't support that...
If someone wants to keep wildlife, there are super easy, legal, and helpful ways to do so. Volunteer with a licensed rehab facility. You can learn how to provide proper care and help animals heal. Rehabs are in desperate need of volunteers and funding - especially in Spring and Summer.
Banning adoption sounds a bit extreme ( I think there are many children who have good outcomes). But kids in unhealthy/ harmful environments should definitely be helped...
What these bureaucrats did was criminal and inhumane. There should be an investigation and those who acted with cruelty and haste should be held accountable and punished accordingly.
This is UNACCEPTABLE and OUTRAGEOUS- these people acted with malice towards the Longo family and their animal family members. They are murderers. 😱
You’re wrong. Mark & Dani were stealing from their 501c3 and neglecting tons of horses. Paul Mueller is releasing more animal neglect videos tomorrow if you find him on IG
Thank you TH, for your message. I want to clarify that my article focuses on the aggressive overreach by government officials during the raid, particularly how the situation could have been handled with more compassion and collaboration. I am not defending any other potential wrongdoings or allegations regarding Mark and Dani's conduct. If there are additional concerns about animal neglect, they should certainly be investigated separately and transparently. My goal is to highlight the need for humane approaches when dealing with situations like this. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
I followed your advice and am following Paul Mueller now on IG. This whole scenario is beyond disturbing. The remaining question for me is why, oh why did peanut have to die? It’s heartbreaking 💔
Yvonne, I completely agree—it’s heartbreaking to see such an extreme response when a more balanced, collaborative approach could have made all the difference. It’s frustrating to think about how this situation might have been avoided with better communication and compassion from the start.
They could have tested for rabies, found none, and helped him with the legal requirements, as you suggested. Definitely sounds more like a case of making an example.
Sadly, there is only one way to test for rabies and that is to euthanize the animal and send the brain to a lab for analysis. This is required when a wild animal bites a human. Which begs two questions: 1) if there was no human exposure why were they confiscated, and 2) after confiscation why were these supposedly trained DEC professionals not wearing gloves?
Squirrel teeth are very sharp and can pierce through gloves. Because of their size, they always need to be quickly grabbed by the head. You always keep the head secured, with a layer of fabric but never assume the fabric itself will protect you.
Thank you for your thoughtful piece re this. And BTW squirrels don’t even carry rabies, except in very, very rare circumstances!!! That’s why I was able to work with them at a rehab center without needing a rabies shot. Outrageous, ignorant, cruel and inhumane…
I want to know why Peanut bit the DEC employee. Did they scare him or manhandle him? And yeah, why weren't they wearing gloves? I agree this was grossly mismanaged.
Thank you, Teresa, for your thoughtful comment. It’s a great point—Peanut’s bite raises important questions about how the situation was handled. It’s possible the squirrel was frightened or mishandled, which could explain his reaction. And yes, it’s concerning that proper protective measures, like wearing gloves, weren’t in place. This incident highlights the need for better training and protocols when dealing with wildlife to prevent unnecessary stress on the animals and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
I can't imagine a healthy adult squirrel not biting strange fingers if next to the face, because they would feel it was a life or death situation, but squirrels are prey animals--they do not lunge and bite when they feel threatened unless the human hand is next to the squirrel mouth.
It’s actually a poorly written article. Mark & Dani are bring investigated by feds for stealing from their charity. Numerous horses were found neglected and under duress at their farm. Thats why it was such a big bust. Fred Pnut didn’t deserve to die but their owners are very greedy materialistic people and their actions are why Pnut And Fred are dead.
Anonymous messages such as this one always trouble me. Who are you? How can I trust what you say? What are your qualifications for commenting? Of course, it's your choice to remain anonymous, if you so wish. But your comment would have more value, in my opinion, if it wasn't anonymous. Sadly, I see all too many animal advocacy websites of various kinds where the organisers do not identify who they are, their background and qualificaitons or history of involvement. How is anyone expected to determine whether they are a legitimate organisations if it is not possible to know who the organisation's leaders are?
Thank you TH, for your message. I want to clarify that my article focuses on the aggressive overreach by government officials during the raid, particularly how the situation could have been handled with more compassion and collaboration. I am not defending any other potential wrongdoings or allegations regarding Mark and Dani's conduct. If there are additional concerns about animal neglect, they should certainly be investigated separately and transparently. My goal is to highlight the need for humane approaches when dealing with situations like this. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
"On October 30th, despite widespread public support for their safe return, the DEC chose to euthanize both Peanut and Fred—reportedly without notifying Longo directly."
Do we know who made this ill-founded decision and why? It should be in the public record. Moreover, I am curious as to know how a squirrel and raccoon kept indoors poses a threat of rabies. What is the science behond such a decision?
Perry, as of now, we do not know the specific name of the individual who authorized the euthanasia of Peanut and Fred. However, the decision was made by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in coordination with the Chemung County Department of Health. Both agencies released a joint statement confirming that the animals were euthanized to test for rabies after concerns arose about potential human exposure, including a reported bite from Peanut to one of the DEC officers during the investigation.
Who knows, besides the people at these agencies, if this is true? When I was a working journalist, we never trusted a press release. We would dig deeper and find sources willing to talk "off the record." I hope that some journalists in NYS do such work.
Rabies in raccoons, especially in New York, can be a concern. The risk of rabies in squirrels anywhere is negligible. The way this situation was handled is a disgrace and reeks of badge heavy wannabe cops.
The risk is very low in cats, yet each time I have been treated for a cat bite I have been asked for proof of recent rabies vax. Then I received follow-up letters. Stringency on vax has probably helped lower the occurrence of rabies. The cats in my colony have all been vaccinated (2017) and aren't the ones likely to bite me. In 2018 an incompetent vet told me that a rabies vaccine could harm a newcomer (several weeks) cat tested FIV+. The Yonkers, NY doctor "would not risk exposing her staff" to the waking cat. She pressured me to euthanize. Since then I have learned more about FIV+ and I would have challenged the vet.
Regarding tragic P'nut, why was death required to test for rabies?
Thank you for this more balanced version. This could have been handled better ( the chances of these animals having rabies is basically zero- squirrels rarely have rabies and since they had been in care since little, I would bet everything that Fred didn't have rabies).
However, I feel that the responsibility for their deaths lies primarily with Longo. He knew the regulations and chose to make these animals into social media celebrities without securing the proper permits.
The reason why there are these regs is that wildlife aren't pets- they deserve to be free. For those who cannot survive in the wild, they need special care and diets- which most people aren't able to provide. Portraying animals as pets encourages people to keep wildlife as pets, which frequently leads to their suffering or at least neglect.
If you love animals - please put their needs first.
As an animal lover… I can only think of how crushed and inconsolable their beloved dad must be.
This is wrong, wrong, wrong on so many levels. Someone actually snuffed the life out of these two little creatures who were thriving. Done by pack of sociopaths, paid to do this abhorrent deed with our tax dollars no doubt. No due process. No transparency.
Thank you, Christine, for sharing your heartfelt response. I completely understand your deep empathy for Mark and the animals—it's truly heartbreaking to think about the loss of Peanut and Fred, especially given how loved and well-cared for they were. The lack of transparency and due process in this situation has left so many feeling outraged and powerless. Your words reflect what so many of us are feeling right now, and it’s a reminder that we need to push for more humane, compassionate approaches in situations like this. Thank you again for your passion and support!
It hadn’t been made public at the time, but in a later report, it was claimed that another licensed sanctuary initially reported the situation in Jan 24 and the owners were informed they needed a license. More complaints were filed later in the year and when authorities checked the social media accounts they saw the raccoon, which has a greater risk of rabies than a squirrel. As far as reports go, the sanctuary does not have the required license either. The threats resulting from initial reports are somewhat concerning. It’s such a shame as the animals were loved and well taken care of, Howe, the politicisation by the far right was also a result of media reporting on an issue they had not fully researched. https://cbs6albany.com/amp/news/local/dec-officers-union-says-public-misled-in-seizure-and-death-of-peanut-the-squirrel-fred-raccoon-longo-outrage-chemung-county-ny-new-york-wrgb
Peanut the squirrel & Fred the raccoon were both euthanized. From what I am reading (?), it was during the raid that one of the inspectors got bitten. Neither the squirrel, nor the raccoon had rabies. The owners made this sanctuary for these animals that had been rescued as babies.
In the past, I rescued baby raccoons, whose mother had not come home, probably killed by a car or such. Raccons are the most wonderful combo of dog + cat, with little human hands. I found an animal sanctuary that took them. All of the raccoons were in a very large, green house type of home in the backyard of the wonderful person running it. The animals were beautiful & all got along. This always reminds me of the Mark Twain’s," Letters from the Earth”: (top 2 abbreviated paragraphs here: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/171021-letters-from-the-earth).
I am so upset by this story…
Inhumanity, cruelty, tragedy, death of two innocent creatures. P’nut & Fred could have been put in a wildlife rescue while Longo got the required permits.
What happened to compassion?
I am sickened by this.
Thank you, Andrea, for your heartfelt response. I understand your frustration and sadness—what happened to Peanut and Fred is truly heartbreaking. It’s hard to comprehend why more compassionate options, like placing them in a wildlife rescue, weren’t considered while Mark worked on getting the permits. Your reaction echoes what so many of us are feeling, and it’s a reminder of how important compassion should be in these situations. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and standing up for these innocent animals.
Such a sad outcome for these animals and their caretaker. It's true that, all too often, wildlife agencies don't use more discretion and prudence when dealing with wildlife issues, especially in unique circumstances that merit more consideration and compassion. The response should not automatically revert to the destruction of animals. One can hope that the public backlash might serve as a teachable moment for the agency, but I rather doubt it.
Annoula, I agree—this is a sad and avoidable outcome for both the animals and their caretaker. It’s frustrating to see that discretion and compassion weren’t prioritized in this unique situation. Like you, I hope that the public outcry will lead to some reflection and change within the agency, though I understand your skepticism. Let’s keep pushing for more humane approaches in the hope that this can indeed become a teachable moment.
Appreciate the information… who in the world would report someone for having a pet squirrel 🐿️… heartbreaking
To be sure, this is a very curious situation. The Gov't response is off the charts and needs to be investigated.
I believe compassionate folk can care for a squirrel quite well… if I ever find one in need… I will definitely nurture it and care for it… thankfully folk of your ilk can’t find me and report my squirrel to the state for execution.
Squirrels aren't pets. They are wildlife. I feel it's inhumane to keep them as pets without proper training. If it's illegal to keep wildlife as pets in your state, they cannot get medical care ( a veterinarian will lose their license for treating animals kept illegally). I have seen so many wildlife kept illegally who are later surrendered when they get sick, injured, or too wild and their "owners" don't want to deal with them anymore. Really horrible situations that either result in their euthanasia (because they are too far gone) or lots of unnecessary pain and expense.
I see illegally held animals as prisoners. I'm sure you don't support that...
If someone wants to keep wildlife, there are super easy, legal, and helpful ways to do so. Volunteer with a licensed rehab facility. You can learn how to provide proper care and help animals heal. Rehabs are in desperate need of volunteers and funding - especially in Spring and Summer.
Lots of adopted children are in unhealthy home environments… we should ban adoption
Banning adoption sounds a bit extreme ( I think there are many children who have good outcomes). But kids in unhealthy/ harmful environments should definitely be helped...
What these bureaucrats did was criminal and inhumane. There should be an investigation and those who acted with cruelty and haste should be held accountable and punished accordingly.
This is UNACCEPTABLE and OUTRAGEOUS- these people acted with malice towards the Longo family and their animal family members. They are murderers. 😱
You’re wrong. Mark & Dani were stealing from their 501c3 and neglecting tons of horses. Paul Mueller is releasing more animal neglect videos tomorrow if you find him on IG
Thank you TH, for your message. I want to clarify that my article focuses on the aggressive overreach by government officials during the raid, particularly how the situation could have been handled with more compassion and collaboration. I am not defending any other potential wrongdoings or allegations regarding Mark and Dani's conduct. If there are additional concerns about animal neglect, they should certainly be investigated separately and transparently. My goal is to highlight the need for humane approaches when dealing with situations like this. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
@truth hurts
I followed your advice and am following Paul Mueller now on IG. This whole scenario is beyond disturbing. The remaining question for me is why, oh why did peanut have to die? It’s heartbreaking 💔
💔 Heartbreaking— an extreme overreaction by a gov’t agency when, to your point, a more balanced and collaborative approach could have been used. 😕
Yvonne, I completely agree—it’s heartbreaking to see such an extreme response when a more balanced, collaborative approach could have made all the difference. It’s frustrating to think about how this situation might have been avoided with better communication and compassion from the start.
They could have tested for rabies, found none, and helped him with the legal requirements, as you suggested. Definitely sounds more like a case of making an example.
Sadly, there is only one way to test for rabies and that is to euthanize the animal and send the brain to a lab for analysis. This is required when a wild animal bites a human. Which begs two questions: 1) if there was no human exposure why were they confiscated, and 2) after confiscation why were these supposedly trained DEC professionals not wearing gloves?
Squirrel teeth are very sharp and can pierce through gloves. Because of their size, they always need to be quickly grabbed by the head. You always keep the head secured, with a layer of fabric but never assume the fabric itself will protect you.
Thank you for your thoughtful piece re this. And BTW squirrels don’t even carry rabies, except in very, very rare circumstances!!! That’s why I was able to work with them at a rehab center without needing a rabies shot. Outrageous, ignorant, cruel and inhumane…
I want to know why Peanut bit the DEC employee. Did they scare him or manhandle him? And yeah, why weren't they wearing gloves? I agree this was grossly mismanaged.
Thank you, Teresa, for your thoughtful comment. It’s a great point—Peanut’s bite raises important questions about how the situation was handled. It’s possible the squirrel was frightened or mishandled, which could explain his reaction. And yes, it’s concerning that proper protective measures, like wearing gloves, weren’t in place. This incident highlights the need for better training and protocols when dealing with wildlife to prevent unnecessary stress on the animals and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
I can't imagine a healthy adult squirrel not biting strange fingers if next to the face, because they would feel it was a life or death situation, but squirrels are prey animals--they do not lunge and bite when they feel threatened unless the human hand is next to the squirrel mouth.
Thank you for the article as it helped me to understand more clearly what was going on with this situation.
I wish understanding the facts made the situation more palatable...
It’s actually a poorly written article. Mark & Dani are bring investigated by feds for stealing from their charity. Numerous horses were found neglected and under duress at their farm. Thats why it was such a big bust. Fred Pnut didn’t deserve to die but their owners are very greedy materialistic people and their actions are why Pnut And Fred are dead.
Anonymous messages such as this one always trouble me. Who are you? How can I trust what you say? What are your qualifications for commenting? Of course, it's your choice to remain anonymous, if you so wish. But your comment would have more value, in my opinion, if it wasn't anonymous. Sadly, I see all too many animal advocacy websites of various kinds where the organisers do not identify who they are, their background and qualificaitons or history of involvement. How is anyone expected to determine whether they are a legitimate organisations if it is not possible to know who the organisation's leaders are?
Thank you TH, for your message. I want to clarify that my article focuses on the aggressive overreach by government officials during the raid, particularly how the situation could have been handled with more compassion and collaboration. I am not defending any other potential wrongdoings or allegations regarding Mark and Dani's conduct. If there are additional concerns about animal neglect, they should certainly be investigated separately and transparently. My goal is to highlight the need for humane approaches when dealing with situations like this. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
"On October 30th, despite widespread public support for their safe return, the DEC chose to euthanize both Peanut and Fred—reportedly without notifying Longo directly."
Do we know who made this ill-founded decision and why? It should be in the public record. Moreover, I am curious as to know how a squirrel and raccoon kept indoors poses a threat of rabies. What is the science behond such a decision?
Perry, as of now, we do not know the specific name of the individual who authorized the euthanasia of Peanut and Fred. However, the decision was made by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in coordination with the Chemung County Department of Health. Both agencies released a joint statement confirming that the animals were euthanized to test for rabies after concerns arose about potential human exposure, including a reported bite from Peanut to one of the DEC officers during the investigation.
Who knows, besides the people at these agencies, if this is true? When I was a working journalist, we never trusted a press release. We would dig deeper and find sources willing to talk "off the record." I hope that some journalists in NYS do such work.
FYI: I quickly looked up some key executive members of the New York State DEC:
Sean Mahar is the acting Commissioner;
Erica Ringewald: Chief of Staff, who joined the DEC in 2016 as Director of Media Relations; and
Karen Przyklek: Director of the Division of Law Enforcement, which enforces environmental conservation laws.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233-0001
518-402-8044.
Of all the animals, threatening or threatened, to be confiscated...The rabies fear underlying many regulations is out of date.
Rabies in raccoons, especially in New York, can be a concern. The risk of rabies in squirrels anywhere is negligible. The way this situation was handled is a disgrace and reeks of badge heavy wannabe cops.
The risk is very low in cats, yet each time I have been treated for a cat bite I have been asked for proof of recent rabies vax. Then I received follow-up letters. Stringency on vax has probably helped lower the occurrence of rabies. The cats in my colony have all been vaccinated (2017) and aren't the ones likely to bite me. In 2018 an incompetent vet told me that a rabies vaccine could harm a newcomer (several weeks) cat tested FIV+. The Yonkers, NY doctor "would not risk exposing her staff" to the waking cat. She pressured me to euthanize. Since then I have learned more about FIV+ and I would have challenged the vet.
Regarding tragic P'nut, why was death required to test for rabies?
Thank you for this more balanced version. This could have been handled better ( the chances of these animals having rabies is basically zero- squirrels rarely have rabies and since they had been in care since little, I would bet everything that Fred didn't have rabies).
However, I feel that the responsibility for their deaths lies primarily with Longo. He knew the regulations and chose to make these animals into social media celebrities without securing the proper permits.
The reason why there are these regs is that wildlife aren't pets- they deserve to be free. For those who cannot survive in the wild, they need special care and diets- which most people aren't able to provide. Portraying animals as pets encourages people to keep wildlife as pets, which frequently leads to their suffering or at least neglect.
If you love animals - please put their needs first.
As an animal lover… I can only think of how crushed and inconsolable their beloved dad must be.
This is wrong, wrong, wrong on so many levels. Someone actually snuffed the life out of these two little creatures who were thriving. Done by pack of sociopaths, paid to do this abhorrent deed with our tax dollars no doubt. No due process. No transparency.
Thank you, Christine, for sharing your heartfelt response. I completely understand your deep empathy for Mark and the animals—it's truly heartbreaking to think about the loss of Peanut and Fred, especially given how loved and well-cared for they were. The lack of transparency and due process in this situation has left so many feeling outraged and powerless. Your words reflect what so many of us are feeling right now, and it’s a reminder that we need to push for more humane, compassionate approaches in situations like this. Thank you again for your passion and support!
Lack of communication seems to spoil every aspect of what is good in life. Good reminder.
It hadn’t been made public at the time, but in a later report, it was claimed that another licensed sanctuary initially reported the situation in Jan 24 and the owners were informed they needed a license. More complaints were filed later in the year and when authorities checked the social media accounts they saw the raccoon, which has a greater risk of rabies than a squirrel. As far as reports go, the sanctuary does not have the required license either. The threats resulting from initial reports are somewhat concerning. It’s such a shame as the animals were loved and well taken care of, Howe, the politicisation by the far right was also a result of media reporting on an issue they had not fully researched. https://cbs6albany.com/amp/news/local/dec-officers-union-says-public-misled-in-seizure-and-death-of-peanut-the-squirrel-fred-raccoon-longo-outrage-chemung-county-ny-new-york-wrgb
Peanut the squirrel & Fred the raccoon were both euthanized. From what I am reading (?), it was during the raid that one of the inspectors got bitten. Neither the squirrel, nor the raccoon had rabies. The owners made this sanctuary for these animals that had been rescued as babies.
In the past, I rescued baby raccoons, whose mother had not come home, probably killed by a car or such. Raccons are the most wonderful combo of dog + cat, with little human hands. I found an animal sanctuary that took them. All of the raccoons were in a very large, green house type of home in the backyard of the wonderful person running it. The animals were beautiful & all got along. This always reminds me of the Mark Twain’s," Letters from the Earth”: (top 2 abbreviated paragraphs here: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/171021-letters-from-the-earth).