Outrage as New York Puts Down Peanut the Squirrel Despite Lack of Rabies
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Peanut, the beloved Instagram squirrel, met a tragic end at the hands of New York State authorities. Despite not having rabies, Peanut was euthanized following complaints about the housing of wildlife and the illegal keeping of animals as pets.
The saga unfolded on October 30 when Mark Longo, Peanut's owner, shared the devastating news with his 500K Instagram followers. Longo expressed his shock and dismay at the treatment he received when authorities raided his home without a search warrant in search of the squirrel.
Both Peanut and his raccoon companion, Fred, were put down by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation due to concerns raised by the public. However, recent revelations indicate that the decision to euthanize the animals had been made even before the raid on Longo's residence.
A timeline from Chemung County, uncovered by the New York Post in November, revealed that state officials had requested the critters be tested for rabies a week before the raid. The Department of Environmental Conservation had already scheduled their euthanization with Elmira Animal Control the day before the raid took place.
The New York State Department of Health emphasized that wildlife cannot be kept like domestic animals, especially in cases where there is a risk of rabies exposure. The only way to test for rabies in animals is through a post-mortem examination of the brain, which ultimately sealed Peanut and Fred's fate.
Despite the grim outcome, neither Peanut nor Fred tested positive for rabies, as confirmed by Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss. The revelation left Longo in disbelief, who expressed his shock at the turn of events.
Peanut's untimely death triggered a wave of outrage among animal lovers and left Longo devastated. Taking to Instagram, Longo lamented the loss of his beloved companion and criticized those who played a role in Peanut's demise.
Amidst the public outcry, efforts are underway to identify the individual who made the complaint that led to Peanut's euthanization. The situation took a dramatic turn when TikToker Monica Kessler was wrongly accused, prompting her to release a viral video asserting her innocence and extending her sympathies to Longo.
The tragic end of Peanut, a social media sensation, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife management and the emotional toll it can take on both animal owners and supporters. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for more transparent and humane practices in dealing with such situations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the online community continues to mourn the loss of Peanut and Fred, the quest for accountability and justice for the innocent animals remains ongoing, highlighting the power of social media in raising awareness and advocating for animal rights.
While Peanut may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his devoted followers, serving as a symbol of the bond between humans and wildlife and the importance of compassion in all interactions with animals.
