Can the death of a beloved pet spark outrage and legal battles? The case of Mark Longo and his squirrel, Peanut, reveals a complex interplay of animal welfare, social media fame, and allegations of governmental overreach.
In the idyllic setting of Southport, New York, a digital creator and animal rescuer named Mark Longo, along with his wife Daniela Bittner, ran a sanctuary that was home to an array of animals. Among them were a squirrel named Peanut, affectionately known as P'Nut, and a raccoon named Fred. Peanut, in particular, had become a social media sensation, capturing the hearts of millions with videos showcasing his interactions with Longo. The squirrel would skitter across Longo's shoulders, playfully interact, and hold objects, endearing himself to a vast online audience.
However, the sanctuary's peaceful existence was shattered in late October 2024. On October 30, 2024, officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) descended upon Longo's home. According to the DEC, Peanut had bitten an agent during the encounter, leading to the animal's seizure and subsequent euthanasia, along with Fred the raccoon, ostensibly for rabies testing. This decision sparked immediate outrage from Longo, who questioned the motives and procedures of the seizure, igniting a legal battle and public outcry.
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The incident also brought to light a more complex narrative. Longo, who also holds a successful OnlyFans account under the handle "Squirrel Daddy," believes that the raid on his property was triggered by jealousy and perhaps even targeted due to his online presence. The New York Times even mentioned the successful OnlyFans account. Rumors suggest that the content shared on the platform by Longo and his wife may have contributed to the scrutiny and ultimately the events that led to Peanut's death. He suspects that someone, perhaps envious of their income or lifestyle, reported them to the authorities, leading to the devastating raid.
Here's a glimpse into the life and circumstances of Mark Longo:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Longo |
| Known For | Content creator, animal rescuer, "Proud Squirrel Dad" |
| Education | Graduated from Greenwich High School in 2008, attended college, mechanical engineer |
| Profession | Mechanical Engineer, Content Creator, Founder of P'Nut's Freedom Farm |
| Social Media Handle | "Squirrel Daddy" (OnlyFans) |
| Residence | Southport, NY; Pine City, NY (rural) |
| Key Relationships | Daniela Bittner (wife), Peanut the Squirrel (deceased pet), Fred the Raccoon (deceased pet) |
| Legal Action | Planning to sue the State of New York for alleged abuse of power |
| Controversy | Seizure and euthanasia of Peanut and Fred by NY DEC, potential link to OnlyFans content |
| Reference | The New York Times |
The raid itself, as described by Longo, was swift and unsettling. He claims that the DEC officers arrived at his home without a search warrant, further fueling his suspicion of a targeted operation. The fact that Peanut, who had been living with Longo for seven years after being rescued, was euthanized, added to the emotional weight of the situation. Longo, devastated by the loss of his beloved pet, turned to social media to express his grief and seek answers. On December 1, Longo took to Instagram to reveal Peanut had been euthanized and the details of the situation. This was not just the loss of a pet; it was the loss of a companion, a symbol of hope and joy for many of his followers.
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The New York DEC, in their statement, justified the seizure and euthanasia by citing rabies testing protocols. They claimed that Peanut had bitten an agent, necessitating the testing to ensure public safety. However, Longo disputed this version of events, raising questions about the DEC's motives and the handling of the situation. He suggested that the authorities might have been motivated by factors beyond public health concerns, such as his OnlyFans success.
Adding to the complexity of the case, statements from another officer indicated that there were "four complainants" regarding Longo's possession of the squirrel and raccoon. On October 27, 2024, an individual claiming to be one of the complainants contacted the officer and "was able to corroborate certain information from the complaint, and social media posts made by Mark Longo online." This element suggests that a series of complaints and online scrutiny may have contributed to the DEC's actions, further solidifying Longo's belief that his online presence played a role.
The legal repercussions are unfolding. Longo has vowed to sue the state, alleging abuse of power and the wrongful killing of his pet. He intends to fight for justice, seeking accountability for the actions that led to Peanut's death. The case is not only a personal tragedy but also a legal battle that could set a precedent for the treatment of animal rescues and the scrutiny of social media personalities.
The events surrounding Peanut's death have garnered significant media attention. News outlets such as USA Today have covered the story, highlighting Longo's emotional struggle and the ongoing legal battle. The case has sparked a broader conversation about animal welfare, the rights of pet owners, and the potential misuse of government authority. The image of Longo with Peanut, once a symbol of joy, now serves as a poignant reminder of the events that have unfolded.
The story also delves into the history of Mark Longo, who grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, attending Cos Cob School, Central Middle School, and Greenwich High School. After graduating in the class of 2008, he pursued a career as an engineer. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he became "proud squirrel dad," transforming his professional background into a platform for animal advocacy and entertainment.
In the wake of the tragedy, Longo has adopted a new pet, a dog named Howard, to cope with the loss of Peanut. This act signifies his ongoing commitment to animal rescue and the enduring power of companionship. The story is a reminder that the bond between humans and animals is profound and that the loss of a pet can be devastating, especially when compounded by questions of injustice and abuse of power.
On April 8, 2025, Longo and his wife Daniela Bittner held a news conference at the State Capitol Building in Albany, NY, further emphasizing their commitment to seeking justice and shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Peanut's death. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of existing laws concerning undomesticated animals, and it highlights the responsibility of authorities to treat all individuals, including social media personalities and pet owners, fairly and with due process.
The controversy surrounding Mark Longo and Peanut's death highlights a multitude of issues that are not just about the loss of a pet. It is a story that raises questions about the boundaries of social media, the role of the authorities, and the balance between public health and individual rights. The case remains a subject of interest and scrutiny, as Longo continues his legal battle and seeks answers.
The case also provides a cautionary tale about the intersection of social media fame and real-world consequences. The very platform that brought Peanut and Longo so much joy and recognition may have, paradoxically, contributed to the circumstances that led to the squirrel's demise. The situation also highlights the power of online communities in providing support, sharing information, and advocating for change.
The ongoing investigation and potential legal proceedings will likely uncover more details surrounding the DEC's actions. The public will have to determine if the DEC's actions were justifiable. The case of Mark Longo and Peanut will likely have lasting implications for animal welfare and the treatment of online personalities by governmental authorities.
