Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved pet known for its vibrant social media following, was euthanised by New York state wildlife officials after being confiscated from his home for rabies testing.
“It has been a terrible nightmare for me,” Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, said in his Instagram video, on Friday. He had spent seven years showcasing their life together online, amassing a large fan base with his heartwarming posts.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in conjunction with Chemung County health officials, removed Peanut and Longo’s pet raccoon, Fred, from their residence on October 30, according to media reports.
DEC representatives stated that keeping wild animals as pets can pose health risks, particularly after an individual involved in the investigation was reportedly bitten by Peanut. In accordance with New York regulations regarding wild animal ownership, both animals were tested for rabies.
State officials have reiterated that wild animals, including Peanut the Squirrel and his companion Fred the raccoon, are classified as property under New York law and can only be kept by licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
Longo stated that he had begun the licensing process and was willing to comply but felt that the DEC did not offer adequate support.
Also, read this
Ex-adult star Emily Willis might not be able to breathe again after illness
Billy Zane transforms into Marlon Brando in upcoming film “Waltzing with Brando”
Corinna Kopf announces retirement from OnlyFans after earning whopping amount
Peanut the Squirrel was an Instagram sensation with 534,000 followers. Peanut, affectionately known as PNUT, was the cherished pet of content creator Mark Longo.
Over more than 1,400 Instagram posts, Peanut delighted fans by munching on waffles, leaping through hula hoops, and welcoming Longo home from work.
In response to Peanut’s seizure, supporters launched a Change.org petition and a GoFundMe campaign aimed at “returning him to his family.” As of Friday, the petition had garnered 28,025 signatures, while the GoFundMe had raised $7,875.
