The story of Peanut’s seizure has sparked criticism of government overreach, as the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) obtained warrants to raid Mark Longo’s home over a period of five hours to seize Peanut and a raccoon. Many see this prolonged operation—carried out in response to complaints about unlawfully possessed wildlife—as excessive.

Supporters argue that Peanut was neither a safety risk nor a health hazard, and question whether state resources could have been better allocated. The incident raises broader concerns over regulations and individual rights.

RIP Peanut