Peanut, Instagram-Famous Squirrel who achieved social media fame, was recently euthanized by wildlife officials in New York, sparking outrage among fans and raising questions about the laws governing wild animals as pets.
This incident has drawn significant attention, especially after Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, made an emotional appeal, describing his bond with the squirrel and questioning the necessity of the raid.
The Seizure Instagram-Famous Squirrel and Fred: A Shocking Raid
The story of Peanut’s seizure unfolded when state wildlife officials arrived at Mark Longo’s residence in Pine City, New York, on October 30, 2024. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reportedly raided Longo’s home with a large team of officers, which he claimed was excessive for the task at hand.
According to Longo, they conducted a thorough search of his house, even inspecting his closets, in an effort to capture Peanut and his pet raccoon, Fred. Longo has since voiced his anger, stating that the amount of force used during the raid was disproportionate and unnecessary.
The DEC’s statement on the matter reveals that the raid was conducted due to concerns about potential rabies exposure. Officials highlighted that both animals were wild and, by law, should not have been kept as domestic pets.
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Additionally, it was reported that someone involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut, which further fueled the decision to euthanize the animals as part of a mandatory rabies test. Since wild animals, including squirrels, can carry rabies without showing obvious symptoms, the DEC saw the test as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
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Despite these explanations, the forcefulness of the raid has been criticized widely, especially by Longo. The five-hour raid not only led to the seizure of his pets but also caused distress to Longo, who had raised Peanut for over seven years. Fans and animal rights advocates have questioned the necessity of the DEC’s methods, arguing that there could have been less drastic alternatives to the raid and euthanization.
Legal Challenges of Keeping Wild Animals as Pets
In New York State, ownership of wild animals like squirrels is strictly regulated. The law states that such animals are considered state property and cannot legally be kept as pets unless specific permits are obtained.
To own a wild animal, an individual must be a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and to keep one permanently as a domesticated animal, it must be designated as an “educational animal.” Both requirements involve a lengthy process that can take months to complete, as it includes documentation, inspection, and approval by wildlife authorities.
According to Longo, he was in the process of obtaining the necessary permits to comply with state regulations and had reached out to the DEC for guidance. He claimed that he had been trying to follow the legal path and was prepared to meet all requirements for Peanut and Fred’s safety and well-being.
However, he noted that this process was complex and time-consuming, which delayed his ability to meet all the official requirements. Longo’s statements imply that he would have willingly complied with the DEC’s rules if given more time, adding a layer of frustration to the situation for both him and his supporters.
The strict regulations around wild animals as pets are based on concerns about public safety and animal welfare. Wild animals can carry diseases that may pose risks to humans and other domestic animals. Furthermore, officials argue that wild animals are best suited to their natural habitats, as they may exhibit unpredictable behaviors that make them unsuitable for home environments.
Although these regulations are designed to protect both animals and humans, this incident raises questions about whether the state’s intervention was the best course of action in this particular case, given Longo’s commitment to Peanut and his intentions to comply with legal requirements.
A Devastated Owner and a Heartbroken Community
Mark Longo’s reaction to Peanut’s death was one of profound grief, which he shared with his social media followers in an emotional video. Fighting back tears, Longo described Peanut as “the best thing that ever happened” to him, recounting how he had raised and cared for the squirrel for seven years.
Peanut’s charming personality had gained the animal thousands of fans on social media, where Longo regularly posted photos and videos of the squirrel. This online presence brought joy to many followers, and they quickly rallied around Longo, showing their support through an online petition.
The petition gathered tens of thousands of signatures, as fans demanded that Peanut be returned to Longo. Supporters argued that Peanut had lived in a loving home and that he posed no threat to the public. However, despite the overwhelming public outcry, New York’s regulations on wild animals left the DEC with little choice but to enforce the law.
Since the DEC treats wild animals as state property, their return to private citizens is not typically allowed without proper licensing, which Longo did not possess at the time.
Longo has expressed his intention to pursue legal action, citing the excessive force used during the raid and the emotional trauma it caused. He believes that both Peanut and Fred were taken from him without adequate consideration for his attempts to meet the DEC’s requirements.
Moreover, the abrupt loss of Peanut has left a gap not only in Longo’s life but also in the lives of those who followed Peanut’s journey online. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of government in private pet ownership, particularly when it involves animals that may have strong emotional bonds with their owners.
As Peanut’s story continues to gain media attention, questions remain about the balance between animal protection laws and the rights of individuals who dedicate time and care to these animals.
For Longo, Peanut’s legacy lives on through the community of supporters who appreciated the joy that the squirrel brought into their lives, raising awareness of both the limitations of current wildlife laws and the potential need for reform.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏