New York bureaucrats are facing legal heat after the shocking seizure and killing of beloved internet-famous animals. Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, has set its sights on uncovering what really happened when government agents raided a man’s home and euthanized his popular pet squirrel.
At a glance:
• Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit against NY’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) over the seizure and euthanize of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon
• Peanut had nearly 1 million Instagram followers before being seized from owner Mark Longo’s property
• Ten government agents reportedly conducted a raid at Longo’s home, treating him “like a terrorist”
• Both animals were euthanized after Peanut allegedly bit someone, though both tested negative for rabies
• The lawsuit aims to obtain records after the DEC repeatedly delayed responding to Freedom of Information Law requests
Government Overreach Led to Death of Beloved Pets
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch has filed a lawsuit against the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seeking records related to the seizure and killing of two beloved animals. The case centers around Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, who were taken from Mark Longo’s home in Pine City, New York during what many are calling an excessive government raid.
Peanut had become an internet sensation with nearly one million Instagram followers after Longo rescued the squirrel when its mother was killed. What began as a heartwarming story of animal rescue ended in tragedy when government officials descended on Longo’s property, citing his lack of wildlife permits.
According to reports, the raid involved approximately ten government agents who seized both animals from Longo’s residence. During the operation, Peanut allegedly bit someone, which officials used as justification to euthanize both animals and test them for rabies, despite both eventually testing negative.
Much of the public simply does not believe these euthanize and tests were necessary for safety, and suspect the actions were about the government asserting authority.
Judicial Watch Demands Transparency
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton didn’t mince words when describing the state’s actions against Longo and his pets. “The heartless killing of ‘Peanut the Squirrel’ by New York State bureaucrats shocked America,” Fitton said in a statement.
“And now these same bureaucrats don’t want to turn over one document about Peanut’s death and their abusive raid on Peanut’s home. Judicial Watch’s lawsuit aims to get to the bottom of this abuse of government power,” Fitton added.
The organization filed two Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests on November 6, 2024, seeking written and video records related to the incident. These requests included complaints, internal communications, and body-worn camera footage from the raid.
Despite multiple extension requests from the DEC, the agency has failed to provide the requested documents, prompting Judicial Watch to take legal action. The lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Albany County, with attorney Ethan Leonard from the Law Offices of Neal Brickman, P.C. representing the watchdog group.
Owner Describes Traumatic Raid
Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, has been vocal about the traumatic experience of having his home raided and his beloved pets taken. “They treated me like I was a terrorist,” Longo stated about the government officials who conducted the raid.
“They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours,” he continued, describing the disproportionate response to him harboring rescue animals without proper licensing.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage and media coverage, with many questioning whether such heavy-handed enforcement was necessary. Following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $280,000 for P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, established by Longo to help neglected and homeless animals.
As the lawsuit proceeds, many Americans are watching closely to see if government agencies will be held accountable for their actions against citizens and their pets. The case highlights growing concerns about government overreach and the need for transparency in enforcement actions that impact everyday Americans.
