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The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) granted employees the option to work from home after a series of threats followed its euthanization of social media star, Peanut the Squirrel.
The threats were directed at DEC’s New Paltz office and other state agency locations, spurring a precautionary bomb search and a state-wide response to ensure employee safety.
New York State Police conducted a search for explosives at the New Paltz DEC office after a bomb threat was emailed to the agency. While no credible threat was verified, the incident prompted heightened security and employee safety measures across DEC’s offices and other state agencies within the same facilities. The Office of Employee Relations issued a statement clarifying that, so far, all threats appear to be unfounded, but employees were offered the option to work from home on Monday and Tuesday to reduce potential disruptions.
“None of the threats received to date have been credible, and there are currently no verified risks to DEC or other state offices,” the statement said. “However, considering the situation’s impact on employees, all Empire State Development (ESD) staff are also encouraged to telecommute on Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 5.”
Public reacts to Peanut death
The public backlash came after news broke that DEC euthanized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred, both rescued animals that had been living in a private home under the care of Mark Longo, a Pine City resident in Chemung County.
DEC officers reportedly removed the animals following complaints that they were housed illegally and potentially unsafely. The agency said that euthanizing the animals was necessary to test for rabies after Peanut reportedly bit a person involved in the investigation.
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DEC and the Chemung County Health Department issued a joint statement confirming that the animals had been put down to assess rabies exposure risks. “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel from a residence where human exposure to rabies was a concern,” the agencies said. “Following a reported bite incident involving the squirrel, both animals were euthanized for testing. Anyone who has had direct contact with the animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”
Peanut the Squirrel backlash
Longo, who had shared Peanut’s journey on social media, has voiced his discontent, indicating he will not allow the incident to go “unheard.” His remarks have sparked emotional responses from Peanut’s online supporters, leading to increased pressure on DEC and other agencies involved in the decision.
In a memo sent to employees at 625 Broadway in Albany, which houses DEC’s central office as well as several other state agencies, the Office of Employee Relations emphasized that safety remains a primary concern. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees,” the letter stated, while also outlining DEC’s coordination with New York State Police to assess and manage any potential threats.
The episode emphasises the importance of having robust workplace policies in place to manage unexpected crises, highlighting the need for comprehensive contingency planning in workplaces to address diverse threats.
The DEC’s response in allowing employees to work from home, illustrates the necessity for readiness in handling disruptions to maintain a safe environment for employees in any situation.
