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Rabies tests come back negative for squirrel, raccoon seized by DEC in Southern Tier

Published on November 13, 2024

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Remember when the New York State DEC seized and euthanized Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon after following up on tips that a resident in the Southern Tier may have been housing illegal animals as pets?

Well, it turns out that they didn’t have rabies after all, but local officials in Chemung County are defending DEC protocols, as one of their officers was reportedly bit during the investigation in Pine City, NY.

County Executive Chris Moss said during a news conference this week that it is common procedure for animals to be euthanized before a rabies test can be carried out.

If you aren’t aware, Peanut became a social media sensation thanks to his owner, Mark Longo, who told reporters that he will be taking legal action.

In previous reports, the DEC made clear that it is against state law for residents to house wild animals, unless they have special obtained permits.

Longo said in previous reports that he was in the works of having Peanut certified as an educational animal.

Meanwhile, Longo told reporters that he took Fred in as a rescued Raccoon.

The feud is now reportedly heading to court, where Longo plans on filing a “very big lawsuit.”

*Some content within this publication is via NBC News.

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