Union Clarifies DEC Officers' Role in Euthanasia of Social Media Star Peanut the Squirrel, Rabies Test Negative

Nov 12, 2024, 09:48 PM

The union representing officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) shared information about the investigation that led to the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel, a social media star. The union emphasized that the officers who executed the warrant to seize Peanut and Fred the raccoon did not make the decision to euthanize the animals. Rabies test results for both Peanut and Fred came back negative, according to the Chemung County Executive’s Office. Peanut was marked for death from the start, adding a tragic twist to the story. The union is asking the public to stop sending threats to DEC employees and offices.