Wed Nov 06 22:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Public Outrage and Bomb Threats Follow Euthanization of Social Media Squirrel “Peanut”
**Pine City, NY** – The euthanization of Peanut, a squirrel with over 784,000 Instagram followers, has sparked public outrage and a wave of bomb threats against the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Peanut, who was seized from his home by the DEC on October 30th, was euthanized on November 1st to test for rabies after reports of his potentially unsafe housing. The DEC also seized and euthanized a raccoon named Fred from the same home.
Since the incident, the DEC has received over 12 bomb threats across multiple offices in the state, including Allegany, Bath, Buffalo, Cortlandville, Elmira, New Paltz, New York City, Sherbourne, Stamford, Stony Brook, Syracuse, and Tarrytown. While all threats have been deemed non-credible, the New York State Police are continuing their investigations.
In response to the controversy, New York Assemblymen Jake Blumencranz and Matt Simpson have co-sponsored a bill called “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act.” The bill aims to protect sanctuary animals by amending New York law to ensure humane treatment during wildlife seizure.
“What happened to Peanut was a tragedy, and this heartbreaking event needs to be investigated,” said Blumencranz. “This tragedy can be an agent of change for our process and system in which there is animal seizure.”
While Blumencranz has requested support for Peanut’s Law from Governor Kathy Hochul, her office has indicated they are not interested in pursuing the legislation further.
“The governor’s office and the individuals in the majority in the assembly do not see a problem,” said Blumencranz. “They say that protocol was followed, no issues have arisen and that’s just the way this process goes. My belief is the protocols need to change and at the very least, the voices of the voiceless animals that have been euthanized in this process, need to be heard.”
Peanut, a rescue squirrel, lived for seven years with his owner Mark Longo. Longo established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in Pine City to provide a haven for neglected and homeless animals. He used Peanut’s social media platform to raise funds for the sanctuary.
While the DEC maintains that their actions were necessary due to concerns about public safety, the ongoing controversy surrounding Peanut’s death highlights the public’s growing concern for animal welfare and the need for greater transparency and accountability within state agencies.
First Piper 