High-profile conservatives rally around Peanut the squirrel to argue government overreach
Leading up to the U.S. presidential election, the heart-wrenching story of Peanut, the internet-famous squirrel, has become the latest battleground for political discourse as conservatives question the actions of New York state authorities over the animal's euthanization. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation made headlines after seizing and euthanizing Peanut and another animal, Fred the raccoon, from the home of Mark Longo, who had cared for Peanut for over seven years.
For fans and followers of Peanut, the beloved squirrel was not just another animal; he was part of their lives, with Longo chronicling his antics on social media, where Peanut accumulated over 695,000 followers on Instagram—tricks, hats, and all. Unfortunately, the joy surrounding this online celebrity came to an abrupt end when local authorities intervened this past week, leading to public outrage and political ramifications.
The official reason for the DEC's actions was rooted in public safety concerns. Following complaints about the unsafe housing of wildlife and potential rabies exposure, DEC staff arrived at Longo's Pine City home, near the Pennsylvania border. An anonymous tip had prompted the authorities to take action. Alongside Peanut, Fred the raccoon had also been seized. The state's law requires residents to have licenses to keep wild animals. Peanut's presence, along with Fred's, created the scenario for these significant state interventions.
Compounding the situation, one of the investigators tasked with checking on the animals reported being bitten by Peanut. This incident led to the decision to euthanize both animals to test for rabies—a standard procedure, according to public health authorities. Critics, including Longo and supporters rallying around him, argue against the efficacy and morality of this decision. "No one has ever contracted rabies from a squirrel," Longo declared to the media, echoing sentiments shared widely across social media platforms.
The political ramifications were swift. Many conservatives saw the incident as emblematic of what they define as government overreach. High-profile figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk echoed similar frustrations. Musk took to X, making several posts criticizing the DEC's actions, culminating with the passionate argument, "The government should not be allowed to barge and kill your pet! That's messed up. Even if it is illegal to have pet squirrels, which it shouldn't be, they should have simply released Peanut instead of killing him!" The sentiment struck chords for many conservatives, compelling them to rally and paint the squirrel's unfortunate fate as indicative of broader governmental control issues.
Trump's running mate J.D. Vance also entered the fray, recognizing the emotional tone surrounding the incident at his rally. He remarked, "You know, is it really the case the Democrats murdered the Elon Musk of squirrels?" This remark funneled energy from the crowd, drawing direct connections between animal rights, government actions, and factors like immigration and public safety, which are central to many voters' concerns.
Meanwhile, the emotional fallout extended beyond politics. Following the announcement of Peanut's fate, Longo announced on social media the creation of Peanut's Law—legislation aimed at protecting sanctuaries and stricter requirements for animal safety. The initiative has already generated significant support, including over $160,000 raised through GoFundMe campaigns to support P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, founded by Longo and his wife, Dani.
Many experts within the animal rehabilitation community echoed concerns about the precedent set by the state’s actions. Rachel Tindal, who runs Chip & Chloe Squirrel Rescue, voiced her worries: "The entire treatment of this case has terrified wildlife rehabilitators. We get involved because we care, not because we want legal trouble, and this situation can only serve to dissuade those wanting to help wildlife instead of protecting them." The harsh measures taken against Longo and his pets have crystallized fears among rehabilitation workers across New York.
The ordeal raises many questions about rights over animal ownership and governance at the state level. Although LD enforcement of wildlife laws is seldom contested, Peanut’s strong social media presence and the emotional investment of his followers offer fertile ground for debate about legislation concerning wild animal ownership. Critics challenge whether they are doing the right thing by euthanizing animals rather than applying solutions such as education and responsible rehabilitation.
While Peanut’s fate appears sealed, the debate sparked from his story will linger long after the votes are cast on Election Day. The coming electoral season has seen Peanut galvanized not just as one pet’s tragic story but as part of the greater fight against perceived government overreach. Whether this motivation will translate to the ballot box remains to be seen, yet the sentiments surrounding Peanut have undoubtedly tapped directly within the emotional hearts of many voters.
