Thu. Nov 14th, 2024
alert-–-lead-investigator-behind-seizing-of-p’nut-the-squirrel-is-unmasked-–-as-officials-give-an-updateAlert – Lead investigator behind seizing of P’Nut the squirrel is unmasked – as officials give an update

State investigators are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of the beloved Instagram famous P’Nut the squirrel.

The DEC is conducting an internal investigation into the controversial raid on Mark Longo’s home, where both P’Nut and Fred the raccoon were seized and euthanized. 

Despite Longo’s claims that officers wore protective gloves, the animals were killed and decapitated for rabies testing after P’Nut allegedly bit an agent’s hand. 

‘An internal investigation into the matter is ongoing, and we are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue serving this core mission,’ a DEC spokesperson told The New York Post on Friday. 

State and local health departments, including the DEC, the state Health Department, and the Chemung County Health Department, have been tight-lipped about the rabies test results and the condition of the injured agent. 

Despite the fact that rabies testing typically yields results within 24 to 72 hours, weeks have passed without any public updates. 

The Wadsworth Center lab, a renowned facility for rapid rabies testing, has not released a report since June and has declined to confirm whether it received samples from Chemung County. 

Governor Hochul, who has previously emphasized transparency, has not responded to inquiries from The Post. 

‘You claimed rabies. . . but you haven’t made a public comment on it?’ Longo, 34, told The Post. ‘As a taxpayer, is my life and what you caused me not good enough to respond?’

The state’s secrecy surrounding the P’Nut incident continues to deepen. The DEC has refused to release crucial information, forcing The Post to seek answers through a Freedom of Information request. 

Senator Dan Stec has condemned the state’s handling of the situation, calling it a clear case of mismanagement. 

‘I can’t think of any legitimate or lawful reason to conceal the results of the rabies test. It’s a matter of public health,’ he added. ‘Where is the state secret here? Whose interest are they protecting?’

On October 30, approximately 10 DEC agents arrived at Mark Longo’s 350-acre property, where he and his wife operate a sanctuary for rescued animals. 

Among the animals they care for are P’Nut the squirrel, rescued seven years ago, and Fred the raccoon, a recent addition. 

Court records reveal that DEC Investigator Joshua Crain obtained a search warrant for the animals, citing potential illegal housing of a squirrel and raccoon. Notably, the warrant made no mention of rabies concerns. 

Crain, who was awarded Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2022, is known for his philosophy of prioritizing education over enforcement. 

‘What happened in my house, if you think that was an educational [action] — I don’t know,’ seethed Longo, who plans to sue the DEC.

Crain and Judge Richard W. Rich Jr., who authorized the search, did not respond to requests for comment, and Chemung County Executive Chris Moss declined to speak on the matter.

The death of P’Nut has sparked national outrage, with critics viewing the raid as government overreach. 

The official Donald Trump campaign TikTok account condemned P’Nut’s death as an act of ‘needless killing’ by ‘Democrat bureaucrats in New York.’ 

Longo, hopeful the attention could lead to support, has invited President-elect Trump to visit his sanctuary.

The incident has led to at least 14 bomb threats targeting DEC offices, which state police have found to be non-credible.

The DEC officers’ union, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, appealed for calm amid rising threats, clarifying that the DEC’s investigation into Longo began in January after reports he was illegally housing a squirrel. 

Longo claimed he had released P’Nut but was found to have kept the animal and taken in a raccoon, leading to last week’s raid.

‘We ask that the public keep in mind that [DEC officers] are their friends, family, and neighbors and do not deserve to live in fear for upholding the law,’ the union said. 

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