Peanut the squirrel became an internet sensation, captivating hundreds of thousands of internet followers Includes video of adorable antics with owner Mark Longo. That all changed last Wednesday when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Longo’s home and seized Peanut and her other pet, a raccoon named Fred. Both animals were euthanized shortly thereafter. Longo claims that DEC informed the media about the animal’s death before telling Longo’s animal rescue nonprofit, Peanut Freedom Farm, named after the peanut.
“Despite our passionate appeals for sympathy, the authorities chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and sadness,” Longo said. I wrote On Instagram. “To add to our distress, they informed the media of their decision before notifying his beloved homeland, Peanut Freedom Farm. It shows an appalling lack of empathy. Their lives are precious and we refuse to accept this loss.” Silence. ”
DEC spokesperson said The Associated Press reported that after they received “multiple reports from the public of dangerous wild animals that could transmit rabies, as well as illegally keeping wild animals as pets,” the animals It was reported that it was confiscated.
“Two days ago, 10 to 15 December police officers searched my house for raccoons and squirrels,” Longo said. said news nationChris Cuomo on Friday. “We used the resources of this state to kill squirrels and raccoons and raid my house as if I were a drug dealer. We have the resources to kill squirrels and raccoons, but there are Can’t we repair the big bridge?”
Longo added. “Since they left my house, not a single DEC employee or state employee has called me to let me know what happened. They broke into my house and killed my wife. They even asked me about my immigration status… They spent five hours dismantling my house. A house for squirrels and raccoons.”
According to ABC, the DEC said the animals euthanized Peanut was there to be tested for rabies after he bit an investigator. Mr. Longo disputes these claims. “Everyone around here was wearing gloves,” Longo told Cuomo. “Are they going to say they’re professionals who deal with animals on a daily basis and were bitten by a squirrel? Nothing like that happened.”
Almost immediately after the attack, DEC’s actions sparked intense online backlash.
“Usually I post memes about current events like this, but this one really pisses me off,” one X wrote. post Over 28 million impressions. “An agency that raids a man’s home to kill his taxpayer-funded pet is pure evil.”
“A squirrel is more than just a squirrel,” says another X post, This one As of Monday afternoon, it had 1.9 million impressions. “Peanuts” is about someone stronger than you breaking into your home and taking away the things you absolutely cherish for no good reason and without any means. It’s for everyone who has ever been afraid.”
