In a controversial and complex case that has captured the attention of many across New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has delayed its decision on whether to file a gun charge against Mark Longo, the Chemung County man whose pet squirrel, Peanut, and raccoon, Fred, were seized and euthanized last month. This case, involving allegations of illegal wildlife ownership, a weapon charge, and public outcry, has sparked intense debate across the state and beyond.
Let’s dive deeper into the case and understand the details, the impact, and the next steps in this highly publicized situation.
The Case Overview: Mark Longo, Peanut, and the Euthanized Animals
The saga began when DEC officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Mark Longo after complaints about his ownership of the wild animals, including Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Longo, who along with his wife Daniela creates content on social media platforms like Instagram and OnlyFans, had been warned multiple times about the legality of owning these wild creatures without a proper license.
- Peanut, a squirrel, and Fred, a raccoon, had become social media stars, gaining a substantial following due to Longo’s quirky posts of them eating waffles or wearing hats.
- The DEC had received multiple complaints about Longo’s illegal animal sanctuary, which allegedly included wild animals that had not been properly rehabilitated or certified for educational purposes.
While it is not unusual for the DEC to seize illegal pets, this situation escalated when the animals were not only taken into custody but also euthanized. Public backlash was swift, with many fans of Longo and his animals expressing anger on social media, claiming the DEC acted inappropriately. Some even resorted to threats against the agency.
A New Policy for DEC: Changes to Search Warrants and Seizures
The situation surrounding the seizure and euthanization of Peanut and Fred sparked a major policy shift within the DEC. The agency, facing criticism and bomb threats in the aftermath, issued a directive to change how high-profile law enforcement operations, including search warrants, are conducted.
- Acting DEC Commissioner Sean C. Mahar now requires that any planned search warrants or high-profile seizures get approval from both him and the DEC’s general counsel before execution.
- This new directive was issued after Mahar launched an internal investigation into the entire incident, which included looking into why he and the general counsel were not consulted prior to the search.
- The DEC is also reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure proper protocol is followed when making such high-stakes decisions.
The Weapon Discovery: A Potential Gun Charge Looms
While executing the search warrant on Longo’s property, DEC officers uncovered something unexpected: an unregistered short-barreled assault rifle. This discovery has thrown a wrench in the case and complicated the legal ramifications for Longo.
- The weapon in question was a semiautomatic rifle with a barrel shorter than what is legally allowed, and with no stock.
- Longo allegedly did not possess the proper permits for the rifle, nor did he have a permit for the weapon as a pistol.
- This new development has delayed any decision regarding criminal charges, with DEC officials indicating that a thorough review is ongoing before any action is taken.
The rifle’s configuration — potentially classifying it as a pistol due to its design — is another critical element in this ongoing investigation. For now, the authorities have yet to determine whether to charge Longo with felony weapons possession or other related charges.
Why Were the Animals Euthanized?
The euthanization of the animals was especially controversial because, initially, health officials had only planned to euthanize Fred the raccoon, a species known to be a rabies vector. But things took a turn when Peanut the squirrel was involved in an incident during its capture.
- Peanut bit a technician’s gloved hand while being placed in a carrier, and because the squirrel had been in close proximity to Fred, health officials decided both animals had to be euthanized due to potential rabies exposure.
- Despite plans to rehabilitate and release Peanut, the situation escalated quickly after the bite, leading to its tragic end.
The Public Backlash: Online Outcry and Threats
The euthanization of Peanut and Fred triggered widespread public backlash. Longo’s social media followers, who had grown attached to the animals through their online antics, lashed out at the DEC and its actions.
- Online threats were made against the DEC, and the situation became so intense that DEC officials took measures to secure their offices.
- Some high-profile figures, such as Vice President-elect JD Vance, even commented on the incident, with rumors circulating about political involvement in the case.
Legal Implications and Future Steps for Mark Longo
Mark Longo has publicly criticized the DEC, claiming that the search was excessive and that his animals were treated unfairly. Longo has suggested he may pursue litigation against the DEC for the way the case was handled.
- He also raised concerns about the DEC officers questioning his wife’s immigration status during the search, as she had provided a German driver’s license when asked for ID.
- Despite the controversy, Longo acknowledges that owning a wild animal without a license is illegal, though he insists that he was in the process of having Peanut certified as an educational animal before the seizure occurred.
What’s Next for the DEC and Mark Longo?
The next steps in this case remain uncertain. While the DEC has delayed any decision on filing a gun charge, it’s clear that the fallout from this case will have lasting implications for wildlife regulations and the way law enforcement agencies handle high-profile animal seizures.
- The DEC’s internal investigation is ongoing, and we can expect more details in the coming months.
- Meanwhile, Mark Longo’s legal team is likely preparing for potential litigation against the agency, which could bring more public attention to the issue of wildlife ownership and its legal ramifications.
This case is a clear example of how wildlife law enforcement intersects with public opinion and social media in today’s world. The actions taken by the DEC will likely shape future decisions around the ownership of exotic animals in New York and could inspire similar regulatory changes in other states.
