After the dust settled from the US election, the cause of death of the internet-famous squirrel, “Peanut,” has finally come to light: Peanut and the raccoon Raymond did not have rabies at all. These two beloved pets of their owners were wrongly euthanized.
According to multiple media reports, two weeks ago, the internet-famous squirrel Peanut, who was euthanized by officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), tested negative for rabies.
As reported by the local county news, between October 19th and 23rd, the local health department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation received reports that the squirrel’s owner, Mark Longo, was keeping a raccoon and a squirrel without permits.
It is believed that around 10 government officials raided Longo’s home, took away his two pets, and euthanized them on the 30th, citing the need to “test for rabies.”
Seven years ago, Longo found Peanut on a road in Manhattan, and after 8 months of treatment, released Peanut back into the wild. However, Peanut returned on its own after being injured. Since then, Longo has taken it in and filmed videos that made Peanut an internet-famous animal.
Taking advantage of Peanut’s popularity, the Longos established the “Peanut’s Freedom Farm” animal sanctuary in April of last year. Longo estimates that there are 400 animals on the farm.
According to the New York Post, they obtained the final test results from the local county health department, not the state Department of Environmental Conservation: Peanut and Raymond did not have rabies, meaning the two pets died in vain.
“The only crazies here are the thugs from the state government who heartlessly killed two beloved pets and then lied about it,” the Post wrote.
As of the deadline, the governor’s office has not responded to the incident.