Social Media Sensation 'Peanut' The Squirrel's Euthanisation Sparks Debate Before US Election

Peanut, an orphaned squirrel who had become a social media sensation, was seized by New York state authorities and subsequently euthanised due to concerns about potential rabies exposure.

The authorities acted after receiving several anonymous complaints to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Photo Credit: https://x.com/elonmusk

During the same operation, officials also seized a raccoon named Fred, citing public health risks.

Peanut, who had amassed over 540,000 Instagram followers with fans worldwide enjoying his antics-such as nibbling on waffles and sporting miniature costumes-has now become a cause célèbre among Donald Trump supporters, just days before the US Presidential elections.

Latest developments on Peanut's case:

1. On October 30, officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Mark Longo's home, taking Peanut and a raccoon named Fred.

2. In a statement released on Tuesday, the DEC confirmed that Peanut had been euthanised, explaining it was necessary for rabies testing after a human was bitten by the squirrel.

3. "A person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanised," stated the agency.

4. Peanut was originally rescued by Mark Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary, seven years ago after witnessing Peanut's mother being struck by a car in New York City.

5. Longo said he had been in the process of filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal when he was seized.

6. Following the incident, Longo expressed his devastation and anger on social media, criticising those who reported him to the authorities. He accused these individuals of selfishness, stating, "Internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me."

7. The incident has since ignited online, with several users on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok denouncing the killing as unethical and calling for 'justice for Peanut'. Numerous Trump supporters have also urged voters to reject Kamala Harris, claiming she wouldn't prevent such incidents.

8. The controversy escalated further when Elon Musk, Trump's prominent supporter and the world's wealthiest individual, joined the debate.

9. Musk shared his thoughts with his 200 million followers on X, stating, "Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him," linking to a news article that featured Peanut wearing a tiny cowboy hat.

10. One viral post even alleged that Trump had interrupted his campaign in battleground states to condemn New York's treatment of Peanut the Squirrel, though his team has labelled this as false. Trump's campaign has firmly denied the authenticity of the viral comment.