N.Y. Scheduled Execution of ‘Peanut’ the Squirrel Before ‘Squirrel Raid’ – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
2:41 PM – Tuesday, April 22, 2025
A recent report indicates that it took a minimum of 12 animal control officers in New York to conduct a four-hour “squirrel raid” aimed at seizing a pet squirrel and raccoon from a self-professed sanctuary. The incident has attracted national attention, notably from Vice President JD Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk.
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Law enforcement documents disclosed to Judicial Watch unveiled the first insights into the October operation, revealing that officials had intentions to euthanize the animals to conduct rabies tests, prior to an officer’s claim that “Peanut,” the squirrel, had bitten her.
“New York State officials attempted to withhold these documents, but Judicial Watch’s lawsuit necessitated their release,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “The documents illustrate an abuse of power, as 12 officers were dispatched to retrieve Peanut and Fred, whom the officials had already determined would be killed. This reflects a shocking level of government overreach and dysfunction,” he continued.
The operation has been dubbed a “squirrel raid” by the legal watchdog based in Washington. The 163 pages obtained through a Freedom of Information Law lawsuit described an extensive mission to locate the popular Instagram star Peanut the squirrel and his companion “Fred” the raccoon, sparked by a few anonymous complaints received by the authorities.
Mark Longo, the owner of the well-known squirrel, is pursuing legal action against those involved following the seizure of his animal on October 30th from his residence in Pine City.
The lawsuit indicates that the state aimed to test the animals for rabies before the raid, classifying raccoons as “vector species” for the virus, necessitating their euthanasia followed by decapitation. Subsequent tests indicated no presence of rabies in the two “pets.”
Longo had cared for Peanut over the past seven years and included his story in various social media posts to help fundraise for his “sanctuary.” Nonetheless, a small group of individuals lodged complaints, leading to state intervention.
During the raid conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Longo acknowledged he was unlicensed for wildlife possession but claimed he was in the process of applying for a sanctuary license. He also denied having the animals in his residence at that time.
Longo implored officials to allow him to keep the animals after Peanut was discovered in a bathtub and Fred in a suitcase.
Reports indicated that one officer had claimed to be bitten on a finger by Peanut, although the bite did not penetrate her latex glove.
New York officials previously admitted that the raid at Longo’s residence was mishandled, stating they would strive for better efforts in future operations.
Judicial Watch, which released the documents regarding the raid, initially provided details on the size of the operation. The officer in charge of the raid noted that a minimum of 12 law enforcement officers participated, comprising “three DEC [Department of Environmental Conservation] investigators, one investigator lieutenant, four uniform ECOs [Environmental Control Officers], one uniform lieutenant, and three Bureau of Wildlife staff.”
This incident has also spurred discussions concerning new legislation entitled “Peanut’s Law,” which would mandate a 72-hour waiting period before animals from sanctuaries can be euthanized, potentially allowing time for the observation of rabies symptoms.
Vice President Vance expressed concern about the incident during a 2024 election rally, while Musk characterized the operation as an example of “government overreach.”
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