independent.co.uk
Squirrel Euthanized, Rabies Test Negative
A social media-famous squirrel, Peanut, was euthanized after a state seizure; subsequent rabies tests proved negative, sparking controversy and an internal investigation.
English
United Kingdom
LifestyleInvestigationGovernmentControversyWildlifeAnimal Rights
Department Of Environmental ConservationChemung County
Mark LongoChris Moss
- Why was Peanut, the squirrel, euthanized?
- Peanut, a social media star squirrel, was euthanized after being seized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Subsequent rabies tests on Peanut and a raccoon, Fred, came back negative.
- What actions are being taken in response to the controversy?
- The DEC has initiated an internal investigation to review policies and procedures following the controversy surrounding Peanut's seizure and euthanization. Longo lived with Peanut for seven and a half years and Fred for five months.
- What was the reason given for the seizure of Peanut and Fred?
- The DEC seized Peanut and Fred from Mark Longo's home due to complaints about illegal and potentially unsafe wildlife keeping. Longo had been in the process of getting Peanut certified as an educational animal.
- What was the public and official reaction to the events surrounding Peanut?
- Following the seizure and euthanization, the DEC and Chemung County officials faced a barrage of criticism and even violent threats. Chemung County Executive Chris Moss stated that the county followed protocols in handling the situation.
- What were the results of the rabies tests, and what was Mark Longo's reaction?
- Peanut had gained a large following on social media platforms, and Longo maintains that the negative rabies test results were unsurprising. He criticized the government's actions as unwarranted.