Staff Reports
The tragic euthanasia of Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon by New York State officials has ignited a fierce debate over government overreach and animal rights, particularly among conservatives who view the incident as emblematic of unchecked state power. Mark Longo, the owner of these beloved social media stars, has accused the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) of treating him like a criminal during their five-hour raid on his Pine City home. The raid, which involved armed officers and resulted in the seizure of the animals, has left many questioning the necessity and proportionality of such aggressive enforcement tactics.
Peanut, an eastern gray squirrel rescued by Longo seven years ago, had become an internet sensation with videos showcasing his playful antics, often dressed in miniature cowboy hats or bunny ears. Fred, a raccoon rescued from injury, was similarly cherished. Both animals were euthanized to test for rabies after DEC officials claimed Peanut bit an officer during the raid. However, Longo disputes this claim, noting that officers wore heavy protective gloves. The subsequent rabies tests revealed that neither animal was infected, raising further questions about the justification for their deaths.
Conservatives have seized on this incident as a glaring example of excessive government intervention. Critics argue that wildlife rehabilitation laws in New York are overly rigid and poorly enforced, leaving individuals like Longo vulnerable to harsh penalties even when acting in good faith. Republican lawmakers have condemned the DEC’s actions as unnecessary and cruel, with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz introducing “Peanut’s Law,” which would mandate a 72-hour waiting period before euthanizing sanctuary animals absent an imminent threat to public safety. For many on the right, this case underscores broader concerns about government priorities and accountability.
Longo’s ordeal has also sparked widespread public outrage, with tens of thousands signing petitions demanding justice for Peanut and Fred. A GoFundMe campaign launched in their memory has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Longo’s animal sanctuary, P’Nuts Freedom Farm. This grassroots support highlights a growing sentiment among Americans that personal freedoms—including the right to care for rescued animals—should not be trampled by bureaucratic overreach. Longo has vowed to file a lawsuit against state officials to seek accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This heartbreaking saga is more than just a story about two animals; it is a cautionary tale about the balance between public health enforcement and individual liberties. As conservatives rally around Longo’s fight for justice, the incident has become a rallying cry against government overreach and a call to reform outdated wildlife laws. Peanut and Fred may be gone, but their legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against excessive state power—and as a reminder that compassion should never be sacrificed in the name of bureaucracy.
