Internet-famous pets, P’Nut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, were confirmed rabies-free on Tuesday, days after state agents seized them from an Upstate New York home, prompting public outrage. New revelations show that the animals had been marked for euthanization and decapitation days before they were forcibly taken from their caretaker, Mark Longo.
Timeline Reveals Pre-Planned Euthanization
Court documents show that state officials advised Chemung County to euthanize the animals a week before the Oct. 30 raid, contradicting their previous claims that a bite incident during the raid triggered the rabies test. On Oct. 23, the State Department of Health directed the county to test for rabies, a process that required decapitation for brain sampling, effectively sealing the animals’ fates.
Public Outcry Over Loss of Beloved Internet Pets
P’Nut, a social media favorite, had been living with Longo for seven years after rehabilitation, while Fred had recently joined the family. The raid and subsequent euthanization sparked accusations of government overreach, with Longo describing the experience as being treated “like a terrorist.” Fans of P’Nut expressed outrage at the loss of the internet icon, who had a large online following.
Officials’ Claims Contradict Evidence
According to newly released information, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) began coordinating with local animal control on Oct. 29 to arrange euthanization, suggesting that the animals’ deaths were planned before P’Nut allegedly bit a wildlife operator. However, the rabies report for P’Nut included a note that he had “bit wildlife operator” on the thumb, which officials used to justify the rabies test. Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss confirmed the timeline and said the matter is still under investigation.
Longo’s Animal Rescue Faces Scrutiny
Longo, who operates an animal rescue on his Pine City property, had taken in Fred after the raccoon was left on his doorstep. Despite P’Nut’s long, affectionate life with Longo, the DEC argued that the animals were being kept without a license and posed a health risk.
As public anger grows, Chemung County has asked for patience while the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation completes its investigation. The fate of P’Nut and Fred’s remains has not been disclosed, adding another layer of mystery to a case that has touched the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.
