Peanut, a pet squirrel with a large social media following, was euthanized this week after being seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Chemung County Department of Health during a raid on his caretaker’s home in Pine City, New York.
Mark Longo, the squirrel’s owner, shared on social media that authorities removed Peanut along with a raccoon named Fred, citing concerns about potential human exposure to rabies. The decision to euthanize both animals has prompted backlash from supporters and local politicians alike.
Longo, who has managed the popular Instagram account for Peanut, described the squirrel as his “best friend” of seven years. Peanut had become an internet sensation, amassing tens of thousands of followers through posts showing him performing tricks, eating waffles, and even donning miniature hats. On October 30, the DEC raided Longo’s home, following an anonymous complaint. According to Longo, a team of 10 officials arrived, initiating a five-hour search that ended with Peanut and Fred’s removal.
In a joint statement, the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health confirmed that the animals were seized due to the risk of rabies transmission. “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” the agencies stated. DEC officials explained that because Peanut had bitten someone involved in the investigation, euthanizing the animals was necessary to test for rabies. Rabies testing requires brain tissue samples, which can only be obtained post-mortem.
Longo’s emotional Instagram post, shared on November 1, detailed the loss of Peanut and criticized the authorities’ decision, describing it as lacking compassion. “Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” he wrote. Longo had recently established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, which houses approximately 300 animals and relies heavily on donations inspired by Peanut’s popularity.
The seizure of Peanut has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians. Congressman Nick Langworthy took to social media to condemn the DEC, accusing the agency of prioritizing the raid over pressing environmental issues, such as flood management in Steuben County. “The NYS DEC needs a serious reality check on their ridiculously mistaken priorities,” Langworthy stated, urging the agency to refocus on critical needs for New York residents instead of seizing pet animals.
Longo stated that he had been working to certify Peanut as an educational animal, a designation that might have provided protection under New York’s stringent regulations for keeping wildlife as pets. However, this process was not completed at the time of the seizure. Longo expressed disappointment over the impact the raid could have on his sanctuary’s fundraising efforts, noting that Peanut’s social media fame had been a cornerstone of the nonprofit’s outreach.
The DEC and Chemung County Department of Health have not yet commented further on the case.
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