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Pet Squirrel 'Peanut' and Raccoon Euthanized by New York Authorities; Rabies Tests Negative

Nov 13, 2024, 12:39 AM

On October 30, Peanut, a pet squirrel and social media sensation who had been with his owner for over seven years, was seized from Mark Longo in Pine City, New York, by state authorities and euthanized to be tested for rabies after an alleged biting incident involving a worker. Fred, a raccoon also kept by Longo, was taken and euthanized. Both animals were decapitated for the rabies tests, which came back negative, as confirmed by Chemung County officials in a press conference. Longo had rescued Peanut after witnessing his mother's death in New York City. The incident has sparked public outcry and a national furor, with many questioning the necessity of euthanizing the animals. The union representing New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers stated that the officers involved did not make the decision to euthanize the animals and requested the public to stop sending threats to DEC employees and offices. Longo has expressed his intention to file a lawsuit and is demanding answers regarding the actions of the DEC and the Chemung County Health Department.