DEC to review wildlife protection and enforcement process after seizure of Peanut the squirrel
N.Y. (WETM) – The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner for New York State has released a statement regarding its plans to review its current wildlife protection and enforcement process following the seizure of Peanut the squirrel in October of 2024.
On Friday, March 28, Acting Commissioner of the NYS DEC Amanda Lefton announced that the DEC had initiated an internal investigation of its wildlife enforcement procedures following the "notable wildlife seizure in Chemung County in October." As a result of this, Lefton states that the agency has established plans to evaluate its procedures moving forward.
"At the direction of the Governor, in my initial few weeks as acting commissioner, I have prioritized a review of our current wildlife protection and enforcement process to protect New Yorkers and this agency from similar incidents in the future," said Lefton.
Lefton states that the DEC has carefully reviewed all public feedback regarding the incident and that it is understanding of the distress that it has caused to members of the community across the state. Further, Lefton states that the DEC is striving to do better in the future.
"Our agency is committed to developing additional protocols to address illegally possessed wildlife and ensuring that our staff and environmental conservation officers have the necessary resources to carry them out," said Lefton. "In addition, DEC will be welcoming a new Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection & Emergency Response."
Lefton closed her statement by stating that the DEC recognizes that improvements are needed, and that in her new role, she will make sure that the DEC is focused on its mission to provide clean air and water to every New Yorker, as well as protect the environment and its natural resources for years to come.
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