In a surprising turn of events, Peanut, a squirrel adored by over half a million followers on Instagram, was put to sleep after being confiscated by New York authorities following anonymous complaints.
Peanut’s journey began seven years ago when Mark Longo rescued the tiny creature after its mother was sadly struck by a car in New York City. Since then, Peanut had become a beloved pet, frequently spotted wearing a cowboy hat, munching on waffles, and performing playful antics that captured the hearts of social media users.
However, this charming lifestyle came to an abrupt end after the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received anonymous reports about the unusual pet. Consequently, both Peanut and a raccoon named Fred, residing with Mr. Longo in Pine City, were seized during a raid by the authorities.
The DEC, along with the Chemung County Department of Health, confirmed that both animals were put to sleep due to concerns about potential rabies exposure, as a person involved was bitten by Peanut. The need to test for rabies led to this drastic decision, as stated by the agencies.
Mr. Longo, who had set up an animal refuge named P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, wasn’t shy about expressing his frustrations. “The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!” he exclaimed, likening his treatment to that of a criminal.
Before the unfortunate raid, Mr. Longo had once tried to return Peanut to the wild, taking him to his former home in Norwalk, Connecticut. However, just two days later, Peanut returned in distress, missing half of his tail and incapable of surviving on his own.
On social media, Mr. Longo vented his anger towards those he believed reported Peanut to the authorities. “Well internet, you WON,” he posted. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” accompanied by a harsh judgment on those involved.
In New York, owning wild animals like squirrels is illegal without a license. Mr. Longo was in the process of filing the necessary paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal when the authorities intervened. He commented, “If we’re not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?”
This incident sheds light on the complex relationship between humans and wild animals, especially in an era where such bonds are easily broadcast on social media. While Peanut’s story ended tragically, it raises important questions about wildlife laws and the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Source: News.sky
