Wat-Not Staff
In a move that shocked thousands, New York state euthanized Peanut the squirrel, a social media favourite, after removing it from a private animal sanctuary. Mark Longo, Peanut’s caretaker, shared his frustration over the state’s handling of the incident.
“This won’t go unheard,” Longo vowed, saying officials would soon hear from him about Peanut and Fred, a rescued raccoon also euthanized by authorities.Longo explained he began caring for Peanut after the animal’s mother was killed in an accident.
The adorable squirrel quickly became a beloved figure online, delighting audiences on Instagram and TikTok with miniature hats, tricks, and snacks. Despite Peanut’s popularity, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the squirrel and raccoon due to complaints about Longo’s sanctuary.
State law requires a special licence for keeping wild animals, which Longo was reportedly working to obtain. He had aimed to certify Peanut as an educational animal, but the DEC claimed that both animals were euthanized to test for rabies following a reported bite.
Longo Disputes Claims of Biting Incident
On Saturday, Longo shared his disbelief at the state’s approach. “Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal,” he said, adding that he hadn’t seen Peanut bite anyone.
According to Longo, DEC officials conducted an hour long search of his property in Pine City, New York, a rural area near the Pennsylvania border, before removing Peanut and Fred. The authorities haven’t communicated with Longo since the incident.
The DEC and the Chemung County Health Department reported on Friday that both animals were euthanized to rule out rabies, though Longo argues that the situation could have been handled differently. He claims the animals were beloved by fans worldwide, who followed Peanut’s life online.
Longo expressed deep sadness over losing both animals without any attempt at quarantine. “They took them from my house and just killed them,” he said, explaining how he had hoped to eventually release Fred the raccoon after recovery.
Fans Outraged by State’s Actions as Longo Promises to Respond
Peanut’s followers have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the state’s actions, with many wondering why the animals were put down so quickly.
Longo, still processing the incident, has yet to announce his next steps but says he’s determined to hold New York state accountable.
Supporters of Longo argue that the state’s actions were extreme, especially given his efforts to follow state regulations and care for the animals in his sanctuary. The incident has also prompted discussions around New York’s animal protection laws and the protocols used in handling wild animals kept in sanctuaries.
Longo emphasised that he and his supporters won’t forget Peanut and Fred and that he intends to make his voice heard. With thousands of fans now aware of the situation, he plans to push for changes in how New York handles similar cases, advocating for greater transparency and compassion in animal control practices.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings