(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – The death of Peanut the Squirrel, a social media sensation with over 714,000 Instagram followers, has incited outrage nationwide, and has also sparked a new legislative push in New York.
See a photo of Peanut the Squirrel in the tweet below!
Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has introduced “Peanut’s Law,” designed to prevent such incidents by ensuring humane treatment and robust protections for animals across the state.
New York authorities killed Peanut after a raid at owner Mark Longo’s home, where a DEC agent was bitten. Despite the low rabies risk in rodents, authorities euthanized Peanut and a pet raccoon named Fred, causing backlash from the public and prominent figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and J.D. Vance.
The community has united across party lines, denouncing the action as unnecessary government overreach.
Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz responded by proposing Peanut’s Law, which seeks to amend Section 11-0512 of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law.
Its aim is to prevent such incidents from happening again by establishing stricter protocols for animal welfare and public safety.
Key provisions include a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before euthanizing sanctuary animals and an emergency appeal process for pet owners through a DEC review board.
Euthanasia would only be permitted if a licensed veterinarian confirms an immediate danger, ensuring that humane treatment prevails over abrupt government actions.
“If government agencies don’t have anything better to do than seizing squirrels, then that just defies common sense,” commented Wyoming state Sen. Larry Hicks (R-Baggs), cited by The Cowboy State Daily.
The case amplifies ongoing debates over the balance between animal rights and public safety, compounded by the unilateral actions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Critics claim the DEC’s strategy exemplifies regulatory excess and poor judgment, seizing animals based on anonymous complaints about illegal wildlife housing and without appropriate measures for humane handling.
Blumencranz is calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to investigate the DEC’s handling of this situation, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in government agencies, The Washington Times reports.
“I urge you to take immediate action by launching a thorough investigation into the handling of this case and ensuring accountability. It is essential that we work together to safeguard both the welfare of animals and the values we hold as a compassionate society,” Blumencranz declared.
Peanut’s Law not only addresses immediate concerns related to animal seizures but also emphasizes the essential recognition of animal sanctuaries as legal entities with distinct protections.
Blumencranz has ensured that moving forward, the DEC will also have to produce quarterly reports on animal seizures and release test results within a seven-day window if euthanization occurs.
This new proposal sets the stage for stronger animal rights across New York State—aligning with a growing societal push for compassionate conservation efforts.
NY Assemblyman introduces ‘Peanut’s Law’ to safeguard sanctuary animals from undue harmhttps://t.co/cS0fpSfHqe pic.twitter.com/zERpMa0ZdU
— NEWS10 ABC (@WTEN) November 4, 2024
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