Summary:
Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers, was euthanized by New York state officials.
Peanut and a raccoon named Fred were seized from owner Mark Longo's home on October 30th after authorities learned the animals were living with humans, creating a potential rabies risk.
Both animals were euthanized to test for rabies, a decision that sparked outrage and controversy.
Longo has accused the public of 'selfishness' for reporting him, claiming they took away one of the most amazing animals.
Longo has asked followers to donate to his sanctuary, P'Nuts Freedom Farm, to keep Peanut's legacy alive.
Beloved Instagram Squirrel Euthanized After Seizure
Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers, was euthanized by New York state officials after being seized from his owner's home. The decision sparked outrage and controversy, with owner Mark Longo accusing the public of 'selfishness' for reporting him.
Peanut and a raccoon named Fred were taken from Longo's home on October 30th after authorities learned the animals were living with humans, creating a potential rabies risk. Both animals were euthanized to test for rabies.
<figure> <img loading="lazy" src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2024-11/241031-Pet-Squirrel-Seized-ac-843p-7810d2.jpg" alt="Peanut the pet squirrel" height="2500" width="2500"> <figcaption>Peanut was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, N.Y., on Oct. 30.</figcaption> </figure>Longo, who rescued Peanut after his mother was hit by a car in NYC, had cared for the squirrel for seven years. He built a sanctuary named P'Nuts Freedom Farm in Upstate New York, which houses over 350 rescued animals. Longo has asked followers to donate to his sanctuary to keep Peanut's legacy alive.
Public Outrage and Controversy
The decision to euthanize Peanut sparked outrage among his followers, with many accusing the public of reporting Longo for keeping Peanut as a pet. Longo has expressed his sorrow and disappointment, calling the public's actions 'selfish'.
It remains illegal to keep young wildlife as pets in New York State, as they can potentially carry rabies. The DEC encourages anyone who has been in contact with wildlife to consult a doctor.
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