The reason for Peanut the squirrel’s euthanasia has been disclosed.
Peanut, a beloved rescue squirrel who rose to fame on social media, has met a heartbreaking end.
Peanut was seized and euthanized by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), igniting an emotional wave of backlash across social media.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized and euthanized Peanut, sparking a surge of emotional backlash on social media. Fans and animal advocates expressed outrage, mourning the loss of the famous rescue squirrel who had become a beloved online figure.
Peanut’s story explained.
Six years ago, Longo discovered Peanut, a baby squirrel whose mother had been struck by a car.
Unable to survive on his own, Peanut quickly formed a bond with Longo, who bottle-fed him and raised him as part of the family.
Over the years, Peanut became an Instagram sensation, capturing the hearts of fans with his adorable antics.
This affection was evident in Longo’s daily posts, where he showcased their life on a rural farm in New York.
Reason for Peanut’s death exposed.
The DEC’s intervention came after anonymous complaints raised concerns about the legality of housing wildlife at Longo’s farm.
The complaints led to a raid, during which authorities seized both Peanut and another animal, Fred the raccoon.
The DEC justified the seizure by stating that Peanut had bitten someone involved in the investigation, which led to a rabies test being conducted.
Despite Longo’s protests, Peanut and Fred were euthanized without being quarantined first.
Longo claims the DEC’s actions were “heavy-handed” and emphasized that Peanut had never shown any symptoms of rabies during his six years of life.
New York’s laws around wildlife detailed.
Legally, New York mandates a license to own wild animals as pets—something Longo was allegedly in the process of obtaining.
Longo asserts that Peanut was more than just a pet; she was an educational animal intended to inspire awareness and bring joy.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a prominent animal rights advocate, expresses sympathy but backs the DEC’s decision.
Hermelyn emphasized that rabies, which is almost always fatal, required immediate testing and the euthanization of Peanut.
New York’s public health laws require this approach, as there is no reliable rabies test for live animals.
However, Longo argues that Peanut should not have been removed without due process, describing the action as “surreal.”
Longo’s next steps unveiled.
“Peanut was my family,” Longo stated in an interview. “They took my family away.”
Social media, where Peanut had over 500,000 followers, is flooded with expressions of sorrow and frustration from fans.
Many followers believe that Peanut’s popularity as a beloved online figure made him a target for unfair criticism.
The DEC asserts that it was merely enforcing laws related to public safety and wildlife protection.
Questions surround Peanut’s death.
The tragic outcome has sparked questions about the DEC’s role in cases involving rescued or viral animals.
Critics argue that the rules should be updated to reflect the reality of rescues that thrive as companions.
For six years, Peanut lived a life that made him an online sensation, bringing joy to countless people.
Longo is now committed to raising awareness and pushing for reform in honor of his beloved furry companion.
“Peanut brought love into people’s lives,” he says, “and I will ensure his legacy lives on.”
Fans everywhere are hoping for a tribute, one that honors Peanut’s spirit and life.
