(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – In a shocking display of government overreach, New York State has euthanized a beloved pet squirrel, Peanut, sparking widespread public outrage.
See photos of Peanut and its owner in the tweets below!
Peanut, a social media sensation, was reportedly seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation after complaints of “unlawfully possessed” animals.
This seizure, which also involved a raccoon named Fred, ended with both animals being euthanized over unsubstantiated rabies concerns, despite squirrels rarely carrying the disease.
Owner Mark Longo expressed shock and disbelief. Relocating to Elmira, NY in 2023, Longo aimed to establish P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, a nonprofit animal sanctuary reliant on donations from Peanut’s social media followers, where he also urged supporters to protest the DEC’s actions.
The sanctuary aimed to provide a haven for rescued animals, signifying a commitment to animal welfare now starkly contrasted by the state’s actions.
The public backlash, partly fueled by Peanut’s followers and high-profile figures like Elon Musk, highlights the perceived government overreach in personal liberties.
This incident has also stirred the wildlife rehabilitation community, raising concerns about how future rehabilitators might be discouraged by the DEC’s heavy-handed approach.
“The state of New York broke into an innocent American’s house, stole his pet squirrel, Peanut, and then killed it. It’s a shame Peanut wasn’t an illegal alien, because he would have been welcomed in just like the illegal alien thugs who murder Americans every day!” commented Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, cited by The Daily Caller.
Longo, who was reportedly in the process of obtaining the necessary permits after taking in Peanut following the squirrel’s mother’s death, claims officials used excessive force.
The DEC raid, lasting five hours with ten government agents involved, left Longo feeling unfairly targeted.
The DEC’s actions exemplify the overreach many critics associate with current governmental and bureaucratic policies.
People across social media have rallied in support of Longo, urging reforms and participating in a fundraising campaign titled “Call for Justice for Pnut and NYSDEC Reform,” which has already raised over $79,000.
This community action reflects the desire for accountability within government agencies and protection for individuals’ rights to own pets.
“Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them,” Longo said.
His words resonate deeply with animal lovers and reinforce calls for justice.
The tragic end to Peanut’s life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked bureaucratic power.
The story has ignited discussions around modernizing animal control regulations and how government resources might be more justly employed.
I feel so sorry for this guy. The government came and took his squirrel “Peanut”, which he’s owned for 7 years, and another pet raccoon and euthanized them both, for no apparent reason.
“Peanut” was the mascot for his animal non-profit and had a social media following of over a… pic.twitter.com/5EfoOKqelE
— 🇺🇸↪️aptain Ⓜ️organ🇺🇸 (@CaptainMorganTN) November 2, 2024
"RIP My Best Friend": Outrage Ensues After Beloved Rescue Squirrel Seized By NY, Euthanized https://t.co/joqTnD0W0Y
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 2, 2024
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