Peanut, the beloved Instagram-famous squirrel, has been euthanized days after being seized by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Peanut’s caretaker, Mark Longo, was devastated by the decision, as he had earlier pleaded for the animal’s safe return on social media.
He even started circulating a petition that gathered over 30,000 signatures but of no use.
Why DEC Euthanized Peanut?
The DEC stated that Peanut was euthanized after biting a DEC staff member but didn’t reveal how that qualified for euthanization.
The agency also euthanized a raccoon named Fred, also seized during the raid, was also euthanized.
Longo had been using Instagram to rally support for Peanut and was able to raise $13,500 through GoFundMe for legal fees against the DEC.
Why DEC Seized Peanut?
After seizing the animal, the DEC released a statement saying the animal was kept in a bad and unhealthy environment.
Longo contradicted the DEC’s statement and said Peanut was completely fine when he was seized.
