Peanut, the orphaned squirrel who became a social media star, was euthanized after New York City authorities seized his beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker’s home, authorities said.
Responding to an anonymous complaint, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials on Wednesday removed a squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s home near the Pennsylvania border in rural Pine City, Longo said. It is said that he took away
On Friday, the DEC and Chemung County Health Department confirmed the fate of both animals.
“On October 30th, DEC seized a raccoon and a squirrel that were sharing housing with humans, potentially exposing humans to rabies. A law enforcement officer was also bitten by a squirrel. “The two animals were euthanized for testing for rabies,” authorities said in a statement, New York’s CBS News reported. “These animals have been tested for rabies and we strongly encourage anyone who has had contact with these animals to consult a doctor.”
Both agencies did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
In the seven years since Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary, said she rescued Peanut after her mother was hit by a car in New York City, Peanut has amassed tens of thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Gathered followers.
Peanut’s Instagram account shows the squirrel jumping on Longo’s shoulder, jumping through hoops, grabbing a waffle to eat and wearing a miniature hat.
“With deep sadness, we share heartbreaking news. On October 30th, DEC made the shocking decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate pleas for sympathy, government agencies chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and sadness.” It was posted on Instagram on Friday along with a video montage of him interacting with.
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Longo and his wife, Daniela, opened Peanut Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. Currently, there are about 300 animals there, including horses, goats and alpacas, Longo said. He said he was in the process of submitting paperwork to qualify Peanut as an educational animal when the squirrel was seized.
