The owners of Peanut the Squirrel, a popular internet figure, have expressed their dismay after New York state authorities seized and euthanized him.
Though Peanut might appear as a typical squirrel, you might recognize him from your social media platforms due to his viral fame.
Gaining online attention approximately seven years ago, Peanut became known for being dressed in various costumes, including a charming cowboy hat.
Peanut also learned several tricks, elevating him to international recognition.
Recently, unfortunate news surfaced when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated Peanut, along with ‘Fred the raccoon’.
Both animals were put down by the authorities on Wednesday, October 30.
Longo shared with the New York Post: “They treated me like I was a terrorist. They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours.
“They asked my wife, who is of German descent, what her immigration status was.
“They asked if I had cameras in my house. They wouldn’t allow me to go to the bathroom without a police escort, who then checked the back of the toilet to see if I was hiding anything there.”
Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, spoke out in a TikTok video alongside his wife.
Fighting back tears, Longo said Peanut was the ‘best thing to ever happen to us’, adding: “I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m disgusted. We fight and work every day to pay our state taxes and they turn around and they do this to a family.”
Longo took to Instagram to announce the grim news about Peanut: “Well internet, you WON.
“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.
“Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. I’m in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to PNUT.
“For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally.”
His message continued: “Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT’s Name. @pnuts_freedom_farm will forever live in PNUT’s memory.
“With over 350 rescues, we’ve relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to gather donations to help more animals.
“I don’t even know how will continue to fundraise for this nonprofit. I’ll be taking a break from social media for a bit. To the people who did this… THANK YOU for breaking apart a family and crushing any hopes of our nonprofit to survive.”
According to WETM, the DEC stated that the squirrel bit an investigator on the hand during the seizure at Longo’s Elmira residence.
An official statement declared: “In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized.
“The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”