Sun Nov 03 14:07:08 UTC 2024: ## Squirrel Influencer Euthanized After New York State Raid, Owners Outraged
The owners of Peanut, a pet squirrel with a massive social media following, are accusing New York state officials of an overreach of power and a waste of taxpayer funds after the animal was seized and euthanized.
Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela, shared their emotional story on TMZ Live, detailing a raid on their home by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials. Armed with a warrant signed by four state agencies and a judge, authorities treated the Longos like criminals, searching for Peanut, the squirrel who had become an internet sensation with 532,000 followers on Instagram.
During the raid, Longo was denied access to his own bathroom without an escort and prohibited from feeding his horses until the authorities left with Peanut. His wife was questioned about her immigration status, and one of their pet raccoons was also taken away. Both Peanut and the raccoon were subsequently euthanized after testing positive for rabies.
While owning a pet squirrel is illegal in New York, Longo claims he never hid Peanut. He believes anonymous complaints about the animal led to the authorities obtaining a warrant and ultimately taking Peanut’s life.
Longo expressed his anger and disbelief that the state would target a pet squirrel who posed no threat. He considers Peanut an integral part of his family and his animal rescue organization, P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, and is unsure how he will continue without his beloved companion.
The incident has sparked outrage amongst social media users and animal lovers, raising questions about the use of resources and the potential for abuse of power by government agencies.
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