November 2, 2024
In a tragic turn of events, Peanut the Squirrel, a social media sensation beloved by hundreds of thousands, was seized and euthanized by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) earlier this week. The decision, which has sparked a storm of backlash, was part of an investigation into wild animal ownership and concerns over potential rabies exposure.
Peanut, a rescued squirrel who rose to fame through his playful social media presence, had been cared for by Mark Longo, who has dedicated his life to rescuing animals and sharing their stories through his nonprofit, P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. The popular platform, featuring Peanut’s antics, had amassed a following of more than half a million people across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
According to Longo, Peanut became a permanent member of his sanctuary family after surviving a traumatic early life. He was rescued as a baby after his mother was hit by a car and, after suffering a serious attack that left him without half of his tail, was deemed unsuitable for release into the wild. Peanut’s journey turned him into the world’s first squirrel with over a million followers on TikTok, endearing him to viewers as a one-of-a-kind ambassador for rescued animals.
The Seizure and Euthanasia
Last week, DEC agents raided Longo’s residence, taking Peanut and another rescued animal, a raccoon named Fred. According to Longo, nearly a dozen officers arrived at his property and treated him like a criminal, questioning his wife’s immigration status, searching his home, and preventing him from caring for his other animals. After being detained outside his home for hours, Longo was informed that both Peanut and Fred were taken for rabies testing, which required euthanizing the animals.
The DEC released a statement explaining that the seizure was in response to potential human exposure to rabies and that testing required euthanasia. “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” the DEC said. The agency added that the decision was made after a person involved with the investigation was bitten by Peanut.
A Call for Accountability
Longo expressed outrage over how he was treated and the handling of Peanut’s case, describing it as a case of government overreach. “Ten to twelve DEC officers raided my house as if I were a drug dealer. They didn’t allow me to feed my rescue horses or care for my animals,” he shared. The ordeal ended with Peanut’s euthanasia, leaving Longo and Peanut’s followers devastated.
In a heartfelt social media post, Longo asked followers to rally for change and announced a petition demanding accountability from the DEC. “This isn’t just about Peanut and Fred; it’s about ensuring no other family has to face such trauma,” the petition reads, urging the public to stand up for reform in how wildlife management cases are handled.
Public Outcry and Support for Legal Action
Social media erupted in response to Peanut’s euthanasia, with many calling for an investigation into DEC’s handling of the case. Animal rights advocates and followers of Longo’s sanctuary have joined the movement, with signatures pouring into the petition. Longo is also seeking legal action to hold DEC accountable, with any remaining funds from the drive going to support his sanctuary and its rescue mission.
Longo emphasized that any funds collected will help other vulnerable animals. “We must demand a compassionate approach to wildlife management,” he said. “Our voices can ensure this never happens again.”
A Devastating Loss
As fans grieve the loss of Peanut, Longo is determined to keep fighting for change in his honor. “Peanut was more than a squirrel. He was a symbol of hope and kindness,” Longo wrote. “Let’s work together to make sure his memory lives on through meaningful change.”
Sources:
- WETM News: DEC Seizes Peanut the Squirrel
- P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
