The social media sensation Peanut the Squirrel and his raccoon companion, Fred, both tested negative for rabies following their euthanasia, Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss confirmed Wednesday. Details surrounding the testing emerged after the animals were taken from their owner, Mark Longo, and euthanized on October 30, an ordeal that has since sparked considerable public outcry and debate about wildlife management protocols.
Reported earlier by
NY Daily News
, Peanut, a viral internet figure known for his unique bond with Longo, was seized along with Fred by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It’s been claimed the action was prompted when Peanut allegedly bit a DEC employee, a situation which, according to state law, necessitated the testing for rabies—though it came at the ultimate cost of the animals’ lives. Longo has since criticized the New York government for its handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for “a little bit of guidance from the DEC” to legalize his pets, a process he claims to have been in the middle of at the time of seizure.
This sequence of events has not only attracted local attention but has also generated headlines internationally, encapsulating the tensions that can arise when animal welfare concerns collide with stringent regulations. Supporters of Longo and fans of Peanut have been vocal in their disillusionment with government officials’ decision-making, igniting discussions around wildlife regulations and the intersection with domestic animal ownership.
Speaking to
USA TODAY
, Longo shared the backstory of his relationship with Peanut, noting his celebrity status stemmed from a viral video showcasing the squirrel’s leap into his arms. Despite Longo’s silence on social media about the test results as of Wednesday morning, he previously expressed certainty regarding the negative outcome, stating, “It’s no real big shocker to me,” due to the years spent living with Peanut and the months with Fred without incident.
Meanwhile, county officials maintain that appropriate protocols were followed in the handling of the animals. Moss conveyed an understanding of the gravity involved when human exposure to rabies is a potential risk, underscoring his point by saying, “I realize people want to vent, but at the end of the day, I think you have to realize the seriousness of humans contracting rabies,” as reported by
NY Daily News
. Nonetheless, the test results have fueled an ongoing debate about animal welfare, conservation efforts, and the humanization of wild animals—a quarrel that is sure to persist in the wake of Peanut and Fred’s high-profile case.
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