New York couple blames jealousy for pet squirrel Peanut’s seizure and euthanization by DEC

Couple claims jealousy led to DEC seizing and euthanizing Peanut, sparking outrage and calls for animal-rights reforms

Mark and Daniela Longo, owners of the popular internet squirrel Peanut, believe jealousy played a role in the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seizing and euthanizing their pet over rabies concerns. 

The Longos, who garnered a substantial following through Peanut’s social media presence, also tied the squirrel’s popularity to their financial success, citing how the internet fame of “P’nut’s Freedom Farm” drew more followers to their OnlyFans page, helping them earn $800,000 in a single month to fund their 350-acre animal sanctuary.

The DEC’s recent raid on the Longos' upstate property in Pine City led to the removal and euthanization of both P’nut and Fred, a raccoon companion. The couple, seen as victims of state overreach, has since received an outpouring of public sympathy, with locals expressing condolences. “Everybody was just noticing, and they would tell us that…they were sorry about what happened with P’nut,” said Mark Longo, recalling the support they’ve received.

The controversial seizure of P’nut has ignited calls for reform. State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has introduced the “Peanuts Law: Humane Animal Protection Act,” which would require a 72-hour waiting period before euthanizing animals seized from sanctuaries and ensure humane due process. Other political figures, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s spokesperson and US Rep. Marc Molinaro, criticized the DEC’s actions and called for accountability from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration.

Support for the Longos has extended online, with a GoFundMe for P’nut’s cause raising over $132,000. The DEC and Hochul’s office have yet to respond to these criticisms and the proposed legislative changes.