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NY Officials Spark National Outrage After Seizing, Euthanizing Man’s Beloved Pet Squirrel

03/11/2024
42 3 minutes read
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An orphaned squirrel who was nursed back to health and kept as a beloved pet for seven years was seized by local government authorities and eventually euthanized, the owner announced in an emotional Instagram post. The story has generated national outrage over government overreach, with X owner Elon Musk and several additional high-profile public figures weighing in.

Peanut the Squirrel, a seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel whose exploits had gone viral on social media, euthanized after the pet was seized by New York state earlier this week, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. Peanut, along with “Fred” the raccoon, were seized when a large group of officials searched owner Mark Longo’s property for more than five hours.

The DEC claimed that Peanut, who was known to be docile throughout his lengthy and publicly documented life in captivity, bit a state worker while he was being confiscated from his Elmira home. New York officials then euthanized Peanut, along with the raccoon, in order to test for the presence of rabies.

“In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician,” the DEC said in a statement.

“RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything,” Longo wrote in an Instagram post announcing his pet’s death.  Longo further asked fans for assistance with a looming “legal battle” and encouraged supporters to donate to his non-profit, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.

Peanut was taken in by Longo after the squirrel’s mother was hit by a car. Caring for the squirrel prompted Longo, a Connecticut native, to move to upstate New York. He then founded “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm”, an animal sanctuary and rescue operation.

The case has sparked national outrage over government overreach, as New York State houses illegal aliens with state taxpayer funds. New York is also the site of the high-profile Daniel Penny trial at the moment, as the Marine veteran is on trial for subduing a homeless vagrant who was threatening passengers on a New York City subway line. It has since been revealed that Jordan Neely — the deceased homeless man who had been arrested more than 30 times — was still alive when officers responded to the scene, though officers did not provide aid since he was so dirty.

“Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him,” X owner Elon Musk said in response to the incident.

On social media, users shared AI-generated memes in the squirrel’s honor and compared his death to that of Harambe, a gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo who was shot when a child fell into his enclosure back in 2016.


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03/11/2024
42 3 minutes read

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