New York authorities admit that Peanut the squirrel did not have rabies and was still euthanized

Peanutthe squirrel who gained fame on Instagram and was executed by environmental agents from the state of New Yorkthat there was no rabies, as confirmed by the state authorities. The animal’s case, along with a raccoon named Fred, sparked controversy and engaged critics and defenders. NBC News reported that both samples tested negative for infection, which was confirmed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and local leaders.

The owner of the squirrel, Mark Longothat he intended to take legal action, claiming that the animals’ deaths were unnecessary. In a statement collected by NBC NewsLongo said: “Not only did they violate my constitutional rights, but they also have to justify why they killed these animals.”

This case has led to death threats against the staff Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)according to the environmental workers association. USA TODAY He noted that Longo’s voice resonated with the national audience as he described the loss of the animals as a “tragedy”.

While seeking “justice for these animals,” the man is faced with a complex legal system, especially against the backdrop of criticism of the process that led to the animals being sacrificed solely for rabies test.

The context of the dispute goes back to the middle of October, when the Chemung County Health Department and the DEC we received four complaints about the unauthorized presence of a raccoon and squirrel at Longo’s home. As mentioned USA TODAYbetween October 19 and 23, complaints were received about the lack of proper permits. This event released a series of events that ended on October 30 with the visit of nine agents who searched the citizen’s house, detaining the owner and his wife for a while.

The legality of keeping wild animals as pets is strictly regulated in New York. according to USA TODAYsquirrels are not allowed as pets in the A big apple and any animal found in such a situation should be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Longo had received his rehab license in August, which he said was not recognized at the time of the intervention.

In this saga, the figure of Peanut became a symbol during the election. NBC News collected comments from the vice president-elect JD Vancewho at indoor gathering North Carolina He noted that the squirrel case was an example of “government overreach”.

JD Vance questioned too many actions of the New York government. (REUTERS/Rebecca Cook)

For Longo, who discovered the squirrel seven years ago in New York, his attempt to save the animal by overcoming the tension of an unbroken relationship seemed to create one that captured the attention of the Internet. His Instagram account, filled with pictures of the squirrel wearing a “little cowboy hat” and “eating waffles”, went from 500,000 to more than 900,000 followers after the animal’s death.

In the infamous Peanut run, Longo also created an animal sanctuary, P’Nut Freedom Farmin April 2023 on an 80-hectare plot of land in Pine Citywhere it is estimated that up to 400 animals live. USA TODAY report that the operation of the sanctuary has a monthly cost of between 20,000 and 25,000 dollars, of which 50% comes from the social networks of the deceased squirrel.

At the end of this controversial story, the debate about the intervention of state agencies remains controversial. Longo insists that “justice for these animals and justice for future animals is a huge priority.”