Posted originally on the CTH on November 2, 2024 | Sundance 

Social media exploded today when reports surfaced that New York officials raided a home, confiscated two rescue animals and then killed them.  The squirrel named P’Nut had been saved by a couple in New York who raised and cared for him for seven years.  P’Nut had millions of followers on Instagram.  Fred the racoon was also confiscated and killed.

NEW YORK – Peanut the Squirrel, of internet fame, has been euthanized after the pet was seized by New York state earlier this week, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, commonly referred to as “P’Nut” on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, was put to death, along with Fred the raccoon, so that the animals could be tested for the presence of rabies, according to a statement from the agency obtained by WETM.  (read more)

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Associated Press – […] “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.” … Longo and his wife, Daniela, opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. It now houses about 300 animals including horses, goats and alpacas, Longo said. He said he was in the process of filing paperwork to get Peanut certified as an educational animal when he was seized. (more)

TMZ had an interview with the couple in New York who operate the non-profit animal rescue.

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