The Case of Peanut the Squirrel: Social Media Star Under Scrutiny
Peanut, a beloved squirrel with a substantial online following of over 500,000 fans, has recently become the center of a heated debate after being taken from his owner, Mark Longo. In response, a petition has been initiated seeking to reunite Peanut with his owner, highlighting the emotional bond they share.
Incident Details: Squirrel Seized by Authorities
On October 30, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) executed a seizure of Peanut from Longo’s residence. “The DEC arrived unannounced, treating my home like a narcotics raid,” Longo expressed in disbelief. His relationship with Peanut spans seven memorable years, beginning when he rescued the animal as a baby after witnessing its mother’s tragic accident.
Return to the Wild
After nursing Peanut back to health for eight months, Longo set him free. However, Peanut promptly returned home. “A day and a half later, I discovered him on my porch, injured and scared,” Longo recounted, noting Peanut’s struggle to adapt to life in the wild.
The Rise of Peanut’s Fame
Once Peanut’s antics were showcased on social media, he quickly garnered a fan base enamored with his playful spirit. Unfortunately, his popularity also contributed to the DEC’s scrutiny, leading to his seizure.
DEC’s Justification for the Seizure
A DEC spokesperson explained that the agency began investigating after receiving numerous complaints regarding unsafe conditions for wildlife that could pose health risks, such as rabies, along with critiques of keeping wild animals as pets.
Longo’s Outcry
Following the seizure, Longo took to Instagram to express his frustration: “You’ve taken away one of the most beautiful animals because of your cruelty. Those who reported us have a special place in hell reserved for them,” he wrote.
Legal Concerns and Uncertainty
Under New York state law, owning wild animals without a license is illegal. Longo claims he was in the process of securing the necessary license before Peanut was taken away. As of now, he is left in a state of despair, uncertain if his cherished pet has been euthanized. “I have no idea where Peanut is or if he’s even alive,”he lamented.
Community Support and Future Actions
In hopes of bringing Peanut home, Longo has launched a GoFundMe campaign and a petition for Peanut’s safe return. This incident is part of a growing trend of influencers facing legal challenges related to wildlife interactions, with one recent case featuring an Instagram model fined $26,000 for feeding a crocodile a full rotisserie chicken.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how the community can support Longo and Peanut in this tumultuous time.
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