Elon Musk recently voiced his outrage over the Peanut Squirrel Euthanized in the US, a famous pet squirrel confiscated by New York state officials. Peanut, beloved for his antics shared across social media, became a subject of controversy after he was euthanized to test for rabies, following a biting incident involving a government worker.
This decision by officials has ignited strong reactions, with Musk leading the charge in challenging what he called the “mindless and heartless killing machine” of government policy. As Musk took to social media to express his grief and indignation, Peanut’s story has sparked a national conversation about pet ownership, government intervention, and the emotional bonds we form with animals.
A Nation Mourns Peanut, the Internet’s Favorite Squirrel
Peanut’s journey with Mark Longo began when Longo rescued him as an orphaned baby squirrel, after his mother was struck by a car. Longo bottle-fed Peanut and tried to release him back into the wild, but Peanut chose to stay, forming a bond with his rescuer that captured the hearts of thousands online.
Over seven years, Peanut’s playful antics, captured in photos and videos on his Instagram account, @peanut_the_squirrel12, brought joy to his followers, showcasing the squirrel’s vibrant personality and bond with Longo.
For his fans, Peanut was more than just a pet; he became an ambassador for human-animal relationships and a reminder of the unique bonds that can form across species.
Read : Instagram-Famous Squirrel Named Peanut Euthanized in the US
The tragedy unfolded when Chemung County Health Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) intervened, citing that Peanut and a raccoon found in Longo’s care posed a risk of human rabies exposure.
Following a bite incident involving Peanut and a government worker, officials determined that euthanasia was necessary to test the animals for rabies. The decision, however, was met with immense backlash from the public, as many questioned why Peanut couldn’t simply be released into the wild or tested without being euthanized.
Longo, heartbroken, took to social media to vent his frustration, calling out the government agencies and individuals who reported Peanut. “Internet, you WON,” he posted, expressing his disappointment in those who may have contributed to the authorities’ involvement.
For Longo, and thousands of Peanut’s fans, this was not just a story of a pet’s passing, but a symbol of the government’s insensitivity to the personal significance of companion animals.
Musk Weighs In: ‘The Government Should Not Be Allowed to Kill Your Pet’
Joining the outcry, Elon Musk voiced his anger toward the decision, calling out the Biden administration for what he described as a “mindless and heartless killing machine.”
President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels 🐿️ 😢
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
RIP P’Nut pic.twitter.com/yoIBV0Okpd
Known for his social media presence and often provocative statements, Musk posted a series of messages on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that “President Donald Trump will save the squirrels” and sharing an image of Peanut perched lovingly on Longo’s back.
In a follow-up post, Musk went even further, criticizing the government’s intervention in personal matters, especially regarding pet euthanasia, and questioning why Peanut was killed instead of simply released into his natural habitat.
Musk’s advocacy for Peanut continued with a creative twist when he shared an AI-generated image of Peanut depicted as the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi. The caption read, “If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine,” humorously dubbing the squirrel “Obi PNut Kenobi.”
“If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine” Obi PNut Kenobi pic.twitter.com/dD2Xo0fSkr
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
Musk’s approach brought humor to a tragic situation but also resonated deeply with fans who viewed Peanut as more than just a pet. Musk argued that even if owning a pet squirrel is illegal, the authorities’ actions seemed excessive, and the decision to euthanize Peanut instead of releasing him into the wild showed a lack of compassion.
For Musk, Peanut’s death was emblematic of government overreach, especially in personal and emotional matters. His comments reflect a broader perspective that government regulation sometimes overlooks the sentimental value pets hold for their owners.
His statements ignited support from fans and animal rights advocates who believe that euthanasia should not have been the solution in this case, especially for a domesticated animal with no history of health issues. Musk’s position echoed a common sentiment: animals like Peanut, who have become integral to their families and communities, deserve more humane treatment.
Euthanasia and Animal Rights: Are Government Policies Too Rigid?
Peanut’s euthanasia has raised important questions about government policies related to animal control and public health, especially in situations involving exotic pets or animals not traditionally kept in households.
The state’s decision to euthanize Peanut and the raccoon was based on rabies risk, a standard public health concern that prioritizes human safety. However, critics argue that rigid policies around euthanasia fail to consider alternative solutions or the unique circumstances of individual cases.
Rabies testing traditionally requires brain tissue samples, hence the euthanasia decision for potential rabies carriers. In Peanut’s case, fans and animal rights advocates contend that officials could have explored other options, such as quarantine or behavioral observation, before resorting to euthanasia.
While state authorities cited the bite incident and rabies risk as justification, Peanut’s advocates believe that modern veterinary care and scientific advancements should enable more humane alternatives to euthanasia.
The controversy surrounding Peanut’s death is not the first time government policies on animal euthanasia have come under scrutiny. Across the United States, pet owners, especially those with unconventional pets, have faced legal challenges related to keeping animals deemed wild or dangerous by regulatory standards.
Peanut’s case has become a rallying point for those who believe that these policies need to be re-evaluated to allow for compassion and discretion in individual cases. Musk’s criticism has shed light on the emotional toll these policies can have on pet owners and sparked debate about the role of government in personal matters like pet ownership.
As public outrage grows, Peanut’s story has led to calls for change in how pet euthanasia cases are handled, especially for animals with documented histories of domestication and minimal public health risks.
Animal rights groups have used the incident to advocate for more nuanced approaches to animal control policies, arguing that the bond between humans and animals should be respected, even in cases involving non-traditional pets like squirrels.
The debate continues, with many hoping that Peanut’s story will lead to greater empathy in policy decisions surrounding companion animals.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏