The state of New York has launched an investigation into a raid conducted by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at a resident’s home which ended in controversy.
According to the New York Post, New York's DEC faces public scrutiny following a raid at Mark Longo's home in Pine City, resulting in the controversial euthanization of his squirrel, P'Nut, and a raccoon named Fred.
DEC agents, led by investigator Joshua Crain, executed a search warrant at Longo's 350-acre property on October 30. The raid, authorized by Chemung County Judge Richard W. Rich Jr., was initiated due to allegations of illegal wildlife possession.
Mark Longo, the homeowner, revealed his pets were seized and tested for rabies following an incident during the raid where P'Nut bit one of the agents. Both animals, P'Nut the squirrel, and Fred the raccoon, were euthanized, a standard procedure in such cases to test for the rabies virus.
The handling of this case drew significant public ire, exacerbated by a delay in releasing the rabies test results. Governor Kathy Hochul, who has championed transparency during her tenure, has yet to make a public statement concerning this specific incident.
The controversy surrounding the raid escalated to the extent that it spurred at least 14 bomb threats against DEC offices, though none were substantiated as credible. The DEC and its agents, represented by the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, emphasized that they are simply enforcing the law and urged the public to remember that DEC officers are also community members.
In response to the uproar and accusations of overreach, the DEC has now commenced an internal review. A DEC spokesperson stated:
"We are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue serving this core mission.”
The magnitude of the governmental response to a complaint about housing wildlife and subsequent public backlash underscores the complexity and sensitivity in dealing with such cases. State Senator Dan Stec criticized the information blackout.
They’re realizing in hindsight, this got out of hand. They did not handle it well. 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. Where is the state secret here? Whose interest are they protecting?
Officials have requested patience and understanding from the public while the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, an unnamed DEC employee attempts to dissociate from the controversy, remarking that their department focuses on environmental conservation, not wildlife issues.
The DEC’s actions have had a domino effect, affecting the perception of the agency. The lack of transparency particularly after the agency had reassured public openness under Hochul’s leadership, has not gone unnoticed. Anguished by the outcome, Longo voiced his frustration concerning the lack of clarity and the impact on his life.
Further complications arose as the DEC directed inquiries about the rabies test results and other procedural questions to file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, responded Mark Longo, as they distanced themselves from making an immediate comment.
Concluding, it is evident that the investigation into the raid at Mark Longo's home has reached levels of statewide concern. Looking forward, the DEC's internal review could precipitate changes in how wildlife cases are handled amidst growing public sensitivity towards animal rights and governmental transparency.
