The identity of thelead investigatorbehind the controversial raid that led to thedeath of an internet-famous squirrelnamedPeanuthas been revealed.
Amid intense backlash over the handling of the case, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said it is now conducting an internal probe into what went wrong during the raid on a Pine City property belonging to pet owner Mark Longo.
HighlightsThe controversial euthanasia of the internet-famous squirrel, Peanut, and a rescued raccoon, has led to an internal probe.DEC Investigator Joshua Crain was identified as the lead investigator who reportedly conducted the raid.Mark Longo, who was Peanut’s pet parent, believes the raid was excessive and unjustified.“They’re realizing in hindsight, this got out of hand, they did not handle it well,” state Sen. Dan Stec (R-Warren) said about the state’s response.
Mark is an animal sanctuary owner who gained attention following the controversial raid on his property.
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The controversial euthanasia of the internet-famous squirrel, Peanut, and a rescued raccoon has raised questions about the DEC’s conduct
Image credits:Peanut The Squirrel
Mark Longo, the owner of the animal sanctuary where Peanut and Fred were cared for, expressed deep dismay and believes the raid was excessive
Mark, who noted that the officers were wearing heavy protective gloves during the raid, has been vocal about his dismay over the operation. He believes it was excessive and unjustified.
The raid on Mark’s Pine City home also left many questioning whether the state’s actions were justified or marked a gross overreach.
DEC Investigator Joshua Crain was found to have executed the search warrant, which eventually led to an internal probe
DEC Investigator Joshua Crain executed the search warrant to seize P’Nut and Fred on Oct. 30.pic.twitter.com/4dxFVsIbBB
— Brad Staggs – Conspiracy Observer (@realBradStaggs)November 9, 2024
An unconvinced Mark said, “What happened in my house, if you think that was an educational [action] — I don’t know.”
Theanimal sanctuary ownerrevealed that he was planning to sue the DEC.
The DEC confirmed last week that it was conducting aninternal investigationinto the matter.
The grieving pet parent vowed to pursue legal action and sue the DEC
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“DEC is committed to protecting the safety and well-being ofwildlifeacross 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,” read a statement emailed toWETM 18 Newslast week.
State Sen. Dan Stec (R-Warren) spoke to theNew York Postabout the state’s response and said they are realizing that things may have “got out of hand.”
“Peanut was the best thing that happened to us,” a heartbroken Mark said through tears
“They’re realizing in hindsight, this got out of hand, they did not handle it well,” he said.
“I can’t think of any legitimate or lawful reason to conceal the results of therabies test. It’s a matter of public health,” he continued. “Where is the state secret here? Whose interest are they protecting?”
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