Peanut the Squirrel was rescued seven years ago after his mother was struck and killed by a car. Instagram
In the past 24 hours, social media was abuzz with the tragic story of Peanut, a beloved pet squirrel and Tik Tok celebrity, who was seized from his owners and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The 7-year-old rescued squirrel, commonly called “P’Nut,” and another rescued animal, Fred the Raccoon, were seized by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) during a raid on the home of the owner, Mark Longo, who runs an animal rescue in New York State. According to Longo, multiple law enforcement officers entered his home with a search warrant, detaining him and his wife for several hours as they conducted the search and took custody of P’Nut and Fred. The animals were later euthanized so they could be tested for rabies, after one of the investigators was allegedly bitten during the search.
“In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician,” – NYDEC statement per WETM.
The raid on Longo’s home was Conducted on Wednesday Oct. 30th after they DEC stated that they received several reports of wild animals living in Longo’s home. Longo stated on the P’Nut Instagram:
“Well internet, you WON, You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.” – Mark Longo
The online community quickly rallied to support Longo, sparking widespread backlash against the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) for their raid and seizure of P’Nut and Fred. Many criticized New York’s lax approach to crime, arguing the state had wasted time and resources on this investigation. They were further outraged that the NYDEC had obtained a search warrant, detained Longo and his wife for hours, and ultimately seized P’Nut and Fred, which many viewed as a government overreach.
If you would like to contact the NYDEC to file a complaint, the information is on this photo
About the Author
Discover more from SHR Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Nobody was bit! MORE LIES!!!! Keep the illegal pedophiles alive but confiscate these beloved pets and KILL THEM!!!! Sick POS!!!!
We agree, Even if one got bit, for the sake of argument, PNut was living inside a home for 7 years and showed no signs of any illness including rabies. We also don’t know how the animal was handled when it “bit”. The worlds best trained animals may bite if it was handled improperly and harshly.
No matter how you discuss it, it never should have been the case and I hope they file a law suit.