This week, Peanut the Squirrel, a pet known for his playful antics and large social media following, was euthanized by New York State officials, leading to widespread outrage from his owner and supporters. Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, documented the squirrel’s life on Instagram, amassing nearly 600,000 followers with posts showcasing Peanut’s love for waffles, hula hoops, and his interactions with Longo and other animals.
Peanut became a central figure at P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit founded by Longo to rescue neglected animals. Rescued at a young age after his mother was killed, Peanut had become a beloved symbol of the sanctuary, which currently houses over 300 animals.
The Seizure and Euthanasia of Peanut
On November 1, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Longo’s home in Pine City, after receiving multiple anonymous complaints regarding unsafe housing for wildlife and illegal possession of wild animals.
Must Read: Elon Musk Furious Over ‘Peanut the Squirrel’s’ Death, Promises Action
The DEC reported that the decision to euthanize both animals was due to a biting incident involving Peanut during the raid. With rabies being a concern in the region—particularly with raccoons—the officials stated that euthanasia was necessary to test for the disease. The procedure requires brain tissue samples, which can only be obtained post-mortem, as current methods do not allow for testing live animals.
Public Outrage and Political Commentary
The government should leave people and their animals alone https://t.co/wFHZHuqJEv
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
The death of Peanut has sparked significant backlash online, with many public figures, including Elon Musk and Congressman Nick Langworthy, voicing their discontent with the DEC’s actions. Musk tweeted, “The government should leave people and their animals alone,” while Langworthy criticized the agency’s priorities in a post on X, emphasizing the need for focus on critical issues like flood mitigation rather than seizing pets.
Are these the same guys that killed my whale and my bear? And, what happened to the head? Just asking for a friend. https://t.co/3NSTefmNC7
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024
In the wake of Peanut’s death, a fake statement purportedly from the Trump campaign circulated on social media, claiming that Trump would intervene to save squirrels if elected. This prompted clarification from Trump’s team, asserting the statement was false.
“If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine” Obi PNut Kenobi pic.twitter.com/dD2Xo0fSkr
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
The Fallout and Ongoing Conversations
Support the right to bear arms! https://t.co/7hYA7zkdkM
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 3, 2024
Peanut’s story has ignited conversations about wildlife laws, pet ownership, and the actions of government agencies in relation to domestic animals. The incident raises broader questions about how wildlife regulations are enforced and the implications for pet owners across the state.
As the community mourns the loss of Peanut, many are rallying in support of Longo and his sanctuary, emphasizing the need for more humane treatment of animals and a reassessment of current wildlife policies in New York.
