Newly released documents suggest the state may have planned to euthanize Peanut the squirrel before raiding his Chemung County home, according to the Elmira Star-Gazette. Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch claims 161 pages from the Department of Environmental Conservation reveal intent to seize and euthanize both Peanut and raccoon Fred from the start.
Peanut, a viral social media star with nearly a million followers, was taken from his owner Mark Longo’s home in October 2024. DEC cited a bite during the raid and rabies risk, though both animals later tested negative. Reports show multiple rehabbers were available to take Peanut, yet DEC still proceeded with euthanasia.
Longo calls it government overreach and supports “Peanut’s Law,” which aims to prevent future wildlife seizures like this one.
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