The previous proprietor of social media sensation Peanut the Squirrel has introduced that he plans to file a lawsuit in opposition to New York state officers accountable for the beloved animal’s dying.
Also referred to as P’Nut the Squirrel, the animal was taken into custody and euthanized by the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation (DEC) following complaints from locals.
Mark Longo, the previous proprietor of the well-known squirrel, instructed Jim Turpin of WETM 18 Information on Wednesday that he was planning to file a criticism in opposition to state officers over his loss.
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“We are going to … file a lawsuit, and we’ll move forward with that, and we’ll let everyone know about that when the time is right,” Longo defined.
Longo, who oversees a sanctuary for greater than 300 animals with bills that Peanut’s recognition helped to pay for, defined that he and his spouse “want to stick to the mission that we have with our nonprofit.”
“It’s going to be hard for me to do this, but I have an obligation to the other animals here, I can’t just give up, I can’t just pack up and move,” continued Longo.
The previous proprietor of Peanut additionally mentioned that he stays emotional in regards to the DEC raid, which led to the dying of not solely Peanut but additionally one other fashionable animal named Fred the Raccoon.
“It’s tough, you know, we have a stain in our bathroom caused by the DEC, and I’m going to have to look at that one until I pull up the carpet,” Longo instructed WETM. “You know, I walk in there and I cry every day.”
On the day earlier than Halloween, the DEC eliminated Peanut and Fred from the couple’s property in response to them allegedly illegally protecting wildlife as pets. The 2 animals have been euthanized and examined unfavorable for rabies.
In New York, whereas it’s unlawful to maintain wild animals as pets, residents with a Wildlife Rehabilitator License can look after an injured or orphaned animal, supplied they return the creature to the wild.
“Peanut did not bite anybody,” Longo instructed WENY Information. “I’ve had individuals journey the world, not the neighborhood, the world to fulfill Peanut and he has by no means bitten anyone.”
“There are a lot of unanswered questions that we demand an answer to and we are looking forward to the day that we get to present this to the courts so we can get explanations.”
News of P’Nut’s demise garnered widespread outrage from celebrities, politicians and others, with Jake Blumencranz of New York’s 15th Assembly District announcing a proposed amendment titled “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act” that may amend Part 11-0512 of New York’s Environmental Conservation Legislation to require, amongst different issues, a 72-hour ready interval earlier than euthanizing sanctuary animals.
“The manner in which Peanut was seized and euthanized defies logic and compassion, and it raises serious questions about the application of our animal control protocols, especially as they relate to animals in sanctuaries,” Blumencranz wrote in a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“I urge you to take immediate action by launching a thorough investigation into the handling of this case and ensuring accountability,” he added. “It is essential that we work together to safeguard both the welfare of animals and the values we hold as a compassionate society.”
Longo helps oversee the P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, which seeks to “rescue animals from situations of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, offering them a safe, loving environment to recover and rebuild their lives.”
“Our dedicated team provides personalized care to help each animal heal physically and emotionally, giving them the opportunity to trust again,” said the nonprofit.
“Beyond rescue, we are passionate about raising awareness and advocating for a world where all animals are treated with kindness and compassion. At P’nuts Freedom Farm, every animal’s story is worth telling, and every second chance is a chance to thrive.”
“Well bless their hearts.”
