Government Agents Assassinate Internet Celebrity Squirrel

Peanut the Squirrel was a beloved social media figure, enchanting numerous followers with heartwarming videos showcasing his playful interactions with his owner, Mark Longo. However, this charming narrative took a grim turn last Wednesday when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) executed a raid on Longo’s residence. During this operation, Peanut, along with another pet, a raccoon named Fred, was seized and subsequently euthanized. Longo expressed his devastation on Instagram, revealing that he and his animal sanctuary nonprofit, P’nuts Freedom Farm—established in Peanut’s honor—were not notified prior to the media’s announcement of the animals’ deaths. He articulated feelings of sorrow and disbelief, deeming the DEC’s actions both disrespectful and devoid of empathy, as they apparently disregarded the value of his pets’ lives.

Longo’s criticism extended to the manner in which the DEC conducted the raid. He described a dramatic scene involving 10 to 15 DEC officers who, according to him, treated his home as if it were a drug hub rather than a sanctuary for rescued animals. He highlighted the absurdity of using state resources to euthanize a squirrel and a raccoon while significant infrastructure issues in the state remained unaddressed. Mark emphasized that no state official reached out to provide clarity on the situation after the raid, which added to his frustration. The raid’s invasive nature, including a query about his wife’s immigration status, further exacerbated Longo’s feelings of indignation.

The DEC justified the seizure of the animals by citing multiple public reports about improper housing for wildlife potentially capable of carrying rabies and the illegal keeping of such wildlife as pets. The agency stated that Peanut was euthanized because he had allegedly bitten an investigator during the probe, leading to the decision to test for rabies. Longo strongly contested this narrative, insisting that all safety precautions had been taken during interactions with Peanut and that no bite incident had occurred. This disagreement over the events surrounding the raid created a divisive atmosphere, pitting Longo’s assertions against the DEC’s official explanations.

The aftermath of the raid saw a significant online outcry. Many individuals expressed their outrage on social media, arguing that the DEC’s actions reflected a troubling misuse of authority, with one prominent post garnering over 28 million impressions. Critics portrayed the agency’s raid as an egregious overreach, pointing to the senselessness of killing two cherished pets under the guise of regulation. The emotional connection many people felt toward Peanut was evident in the online discourse, as individuals shared stories of personal connections to their pets and the fear of losing them to bureaucratic actions.

Supporters of Longo highlighted a broader issue regarding the treatment of domesticated animals and the intersection of wildlife regulations and individual rights. The sentiments expressed in the online community resonated with those who have experienced loss or upheaval at the hands of government authorities, prompting a discourse about the moral implications of such actions. Many individuals connected with Longo’s plight on a personal level, viewing Peanut not just as an animal but as a symbol of vulnerability in the face of systemic power dynamics.

In summary, the tragic fate of Peanut the Squirrel ignited a wave of indignation against the DEC’s enforcement actions, prompting discussions about compassion and respect for pet owners and their animals. The incident served as a catalyst for reflection on the balance between wildlife regulation and individual freedoms, with many advocating for a more empathetic approach to animal care and sanctuary rights. As social media amplified the outrage, it became evident that Peanut’s story was more than just about a squirrel—it resonated with broader themes of loss, authority, and the fight for justice in the realm of animal welfare.