The seizure and subsequent euthanasia of Peanut, a widely adored pet squirrel, has sparked a storm of controversy, drawing strong reactions from high-profile individuals including Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The beloved squirrel, who had a significant social media following, was taken by New York authorities after a raid, which resulted in its euthanasia for rabies testing, propelling widespread public outrage, as the Post Millennial reports.

Peanut, an orphaned squirrel, was under the care of animal sanctuary operator Mark Longo, who had stepped in to rescue the animal after the loss of its mother in a car accident.

Over the past seven years, Peanut had found not just a home, but fame, with tens of thousands following Longo's social media updates featuring the nimble squirrel performing various tricks.

New York Authorities Raid Longo's Home

The tranquility enjoyed by Longo and Peanut was shattered on Oct. 30, when New York state authorities conducted a raid on Longo's property.

The operation, prompted by anonymous complaints, involved multiple officers and stretched over five hours. During the raid, Peanut, as well as a raccoon named Fred, was seized. Longo has since expressed frustration at the event, describing the force used as excessive and unnecessary.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), alongside the Chemung County Department of Health, reported that both animals were put down to test for rabies.

This decision came after an incident where a person involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut. Despite the sad necessity expressed by officials, Longo, along with a substantial part of the online community, was left grief-stricken and incensed.

Wildlife authorities noted the illegality of private ownership of wild animals within the state as part of their rationale for the seizure, a point which has been met with pushback from those familiar with Longo’s ongoing efforts to obtain certification for Peanut as an educational animal.

Public Outcry and High-Profile Criticism

The euthanasia of Peanut has ignited impassioned responses across social media, drawing in the commentary of figures such as Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Musk articulated his stance by criticizing the actions as an overreach, describing it as "government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him." This sentiment echoes widespread dissatisfaction with the manner in which the situation was handled and the loss of a creature who had become a digital icon.

Kennedy also contributed to the discourse with his own emotive comments, questioning the actions of the officials in a manner that underscored skepticism and disbelief, further fueling the public's indignation over Peanut's fate.

Longo, in the aftermath of the ordeal, has taken to social media to share his sorrow and point to the role that the internet played in relaying complaints that led to the raid. In poignant posts, he thanked Peanut for the years of joy and companionship, expressing his devastation at what he perceives as a failure to protect his friend.

Longo Mourns the Loss of Peanut

The series of posts from Longo paints a vivid picture of his anguish, blaming those who alerted the authorities and accusing them of robbing him of one of his great joys. He mourns Peanut as not just a pet, but a beloved companion who had brought immense happiness to his life and a wide audience.

Longo's emotional reaction also included a critique of the raid procedures, questioning the need for such an overwhelming number of officers and the intrusive nature of their search. He highlights what he views as a misalignment between the response and the situation, adding a layer of personal anguish to a legally complex issue.

Beyond the loss of Peanut, Longo's work with animals continues at P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, which he runs with his wife. Established in April 2023, the sanctuary is a safe haven for approximately 300 animals, demonstrating Longo's ongoing commitment to animal care and rescue efforts.

A Community Divided Over Legal Issues

The community's reaction reflects a broader debate over the balance between wildlife protection regulations and the personal bonds formed between humans and animals traditionally seen as wild. Longo's case exemplifies the tension between loving commitment to animal welfare and the legal frameworks governing such interactions.

Amidst the emotional outpouring and regulatory discussions, Peanut's story remains a poignant reminder of the increasingly complex world where personal narratives and legal stipulations intersect, often with heartbreaking results. The public and expert opinions continue to pour in, highlighting the ongoing need for conversation around the rules governing animal care and custody.

As the story of Peanut reverberates across communities both online and offline, it poses critical questions about the extent to which individual cases are considered within the scope of well-intentioned policies, and how they affect the lives of those they touch most closely.