Peanut, the squirrel who became an internet sensation, was removed from his New York home by state authorities in what his owner called an act of government overreach. The beloved squirrel that took the internet by storm was later killed by government authorities. Details are beginning to leak out about what really happened during a shocking state attack and the murder of a family's beloved pet.
Timeline of shocking state raids on squirrels and raccoons
Chemung County Executive Christopher J. Moss laid out the timeline of events during the meeting. press conference on tuesday.
The Chemung County Health Department's Environmental Health Services received an email complaint on October 19 about squirrels and raccoons living in the home of Mark and Daniella Longo in Southport, New York. . The couple did not have permission to keep wild animals in their home, according to the complaint.
“We have a very large case.”
On October 21, the complaint was forwarded to the New York State Department of Environmental Protection and Elmira Animal Control.
The next day, the New York State Department of Environmental Protection contacted the Chemung County Health Department. inform “DEC is aware of an individual in Chemung County who is known to be in illegal possession of an adult gray squirrel and at least four young raccoons,” the agency said, adding, “They have other illegal possessions.” They may also have wildlife species in their possession,” he added.
“As a precaution for human safety, we would like to know whether the Department of Health will recommend testing these animals for rabies,” the New York State Department of Environmental Protection said in a statement.
On October 23, the Chemung County Health Department contacted the New York State Department of Health's Zoonoses Program, which reportedly said, “Wild animals cannot be confined like livestock, and if there is an exposure, “If this is the case, you need to get a rabies test.” Exposure is usually caused by a bite, but can also be caused by saliva entering a wound or mucous membrane. ”
The government reportedly planned to euthanize the squirrels days before the raid, but accounts contradict
As Blaze News previously reported, state agents raided the Longos' home on Oct. 30.
“Then, starting December 10th, 12 police officers raided my house as if I were a drug dealer.” Mark Longo said. “I sat outside my house for five hours. I had to be escorted to the bathroom by the police.”
“We weren't even allowed to feed the rescue horses breakfast or lunch,” Longo claimed. “I sat there like a criminal after I was interrogated to find out my wife's immigration status.”
Longo added, “They obtained search warrants. Four departments and a judge signed search warrants for squirrels and raccoons.”
Longo said the search lasted five hours and that state agents searched “every cupboard, every nook and cranny” of her home.
Government agents confiscated Longo's pets, Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.
Both animals were reportedly euthanized later that day and their bodies sent to a laboratory for rabies testing.
State officials claimed Peanut bit a DEC civilian wildlife biologist. Government officials claimed the animal bite prompted a deadly rabies test.
If a wild animal is suspected of having rabies, the animal is euthanized and part of its brain is removed and examined.
“Determining whether a non-domestic animal has rabies requires euthanizing the animal and examining the animal's brain for evidence of the rabies virus.” According to to the New York State Department of Health.
of new york post Peanut and Fred's rabies report from Chemung County authorities states that “removal of the animal's cap was requested on October 30, 2019.”
However, government officials reportedly had “multiple discussions” about euthanizing the animal before anyone was bitten.
“NYSDEC had multiple discussions with the Chemung County Health Department and Elmira Animal Control about the euthanasia process before anyone was bitten or the animal was seized,” Moss said Tuesday.
Moss continued, “It is important to point out that euthanasia orders are almost always completed at the request of either the exposed person or the institution conducting animal-related investigations, such as this one.'' Both animals were taken to Elmira Animal Control so that proper tests could be performed as stated on both euthanasia applications.
Turns out the government was wrong
Moss revealed at a news conference Tuesday that both Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon tested negative for rabies.
Moss acknowledged that county officials will wait a day or two to assess the situation before euthanizing the unauthorized animal.
Moss sought to calm the frustration of those outraged by the killings.
“I understand that people want to vent, but I think at the end of the day, we need to realize the seriousness of human rabies infection,” Moss said. said. “This is a protocol that was turned down by the state to the county.”
Peanut the Squirrel's death sparked an intense reaction from fans across the country, some of whom issued death threats to New York State Department of Environmental Protection officials.
Peanut's owner vows to receive justice for beloved pet's death
Mark Longo operates his property as an animal rescue operation.
Peanut (also known as Peanut) was rescued seven years ago after his mother was allegedly hit by a car in New York City, and Fred had recently been dropped on Longo's doorstep in need of care.
Longo said “Not only did it tear apart a family, but Peanut was the foundation of our non-profit animal rescue.”
“It was a 10-month investigation into squirrels and raccoons. There are murderers and rapists roaming the streets, and they don't get investigated like this,” Longo said. NewsNation's Chris Cuomo on tuesday. “So you used all of our tax dollars and all of our resources to conjure up a story about squirrels and raccoons that were so harmful to our society that they had to come and kill them. ”
A distraught pet owner said: “I have to make a living in this state. And I have to say to these people, 'Hey, I killed your animals, I cut off their heads, I killed peanuts, too.' You don't have enough stones to call me.'' As we all knew at the beginning of this story, “I don't have rabies.'' ”
Longo said she plans to file a “very significant” lawsuit in retaliation for Peanut the Squirrel's death. Instagram.
“Make no mistake, we have a very large lawsuit,” Longo said on NewsNation's “Cuomo.” “Not only did you violate my constitutional rights, you need to come up with an explanation for why you killed these animals,” he said.
Longo declared the entire incident a prime example of “government overreach.”
Longo launched the gofundme “Support P'Nuts Freedom Farm” campaign.
“In memory of Peanut and Fred, we would like to highlight Peanut Freedom Farm's mission of tirelessly rescuing and providing care to vulnerable animals,” Longo wrote. . “Their lives are a testament to the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living things, and we are committed to honoring them by continuing this important work.”
“All proceeds from our fundraising efforts will go directly towards rescuing and caring for other animals at P'nuts Freedom Farm, allowing us to continue to provide a safe haven for those in need,” Longo said in a statement. We can work together to make a difference and prevent other animals from having the same fate as Peanut and Fred.”
As of this article's publication, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $230,000.
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