P-Nut the squirrel, DEC: “An internal investigation is ongoing”
(WETM) – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation revealed it has an internal investigation underway involving the search and seizure of "P-Nut the squirrel" and "Fred the Raccoon" from an animal sanctuary owned and operated by Pine City residents Mark and Dani Longo.
Peanut the squirrel seized by DEC in Pine City
WETM 18 News sent a list of requests to access files surrounding the issuing of a search warrant, the search, and seizure of the animals by the DEC, and the involvement of the Chemung County Health Department. Both agencies acknowledged our request within two days, well within the five days required by New York's Freedom of Information Law.
'I just want answers,' Peanut the squirrel's owner speaks out about DEC seizure
On Thursday, October 7, 18 News received an email from the DEC that reads, "DEC is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of wildlife across New York. An internal investigation into the matter is ongoing, and we are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue serving this core mission."
18 News has asked for the results of rabies testing on both animals. The DEC and the Chemung County Health Department said the animals had to be put down after P-Nut "bit an agent". The NY State Department of Health's website and the Centers for Disease Control's website state that squirrels rarely get rabies. 18 News could not find a verifiable case of rabies in a squirrel in the State of New York.
Results of rabies tests administered by the DEC involving a squirrel and raccoon, named P-Nut and Fred respectively, that were confiscated by the DEC and Chemung County Health Department on October 30, 2024.
An answer to the question, "Were any of the state agents involved in the confiscation and search of the property of Mark Longo, wearing body cameras?"
If not, is that a violation of policy?
If so, we would like to request video from those cameras.
Did the agents ask Mr. Longo, and/or any other people on the property, if there were any working cameras on the property?
If so, why would they ask this?
What is the DEC's policy for handling captured animals, i.e. were they supposed to be wearing gloves when handling these animals?
If so, where was the agent "bitten", as claimed by the DEC, by the squirrel?
The number of rabies cases documented in the State of New York over the last ten years that involved squirrels.
If such records exist, we request documentation for each.
Any written or recordings of spoken narrative compiled by the DEC and/or the Chemung County Health Department that detail:
The decision to search Mr. Longo's property and seize the squirrel and raccoon?
The search and seizure itself.
The "bite" allegedly suffered by an agent that resulted in the euthanizing of the two animals named in this request.
Any emails or memos sent internally at the Chemung County Department of Health or the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, that in any way reference or deal with the search warrant, the search, the euthanizing of the animals, or any other discussion or mention any aspect of the situation.
An explanation of why the DEC or Chemung County Health Department did not notify Mr. Longo that the animals would be euthanized.
