What happened to Peanut squirrel, animal who became famous on social networks after being rescued.
seizure and sacrifice of Peanut the squirrel sparked controversy in New York, USA.
Well, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, Peanut the squirrel was euthanized to rule out the presence of rabies.
However, his former owners regretted that the measures against Peanut the squirrel were taken “without even quarantining him.”
What happened to Peanut the squirrel?
Peanut the squirrel was reportedly adopted in 2017 by Mark Longo – age unknown – after his mother was run over.
On social networks, Peanut the squirrel earned the affection of users by appearing on their accounts performing tricks or wearing costumes.
Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were seized.
They would be euthanized for “rabies testing.”
sparked controversy in New York.
in the process of certification as an educational animalI’m sorry that she and Fred the raccoon were “captured and killed.”
Elon Musk protested the sacrifice of Peanut the squirrel
Elon Musk -53 years old- joined the protests on social networks for the sacrifice of Peanut the squirrel.
And after sharing the news, Elon Musk asked the government to “leave people and their animals alone.”
new law, called the “Peanut Animal Protection Act.”
Interview between Time.news Editor, Sarah Jenkins, and Wildlife Rehabilitation Expert, Dr. Lisa Thompson
Sarah Jenkins: Welcome, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the unfortunate case of Peanut the squirrel. It was a story that captured hearts on social media but took a tragic turn. Can you give us a brief overview of what happened?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Thank you for having me, Sarah. Peanut was a beloved pet squirrel who became famous online for his adorable antics. Sadly, after being seized alongside another animal, a raccoon named Fred, authorities decided to euthanize Peanut to test for rabies. This decision stirred a lot of controversy and heartbreak, especially among his fans and former owners.
Sarah Jenkins: It’s heartbreaking indeed. The decision to euthanize has raised many eyebrows. The former owners mentioned that this action was taken “without even quarantining him.” What do you think about that approach?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: It’s concerning. Euthanizing an animal without proper assessment or quarantine can be viewed as an extreme measure. In many cases, a proper quarantine period along with observation would provide clarity. It is important to balance public safety with humane treatment of animals.
Sarah Jenkins: Peanut had developed quite a following on social media before his untimely end. How do you see the impact of social media on pet ownership and animal rights?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Social media plays a significant role in raising awareness about animal rights and wildlife issues. In Peanut’s case, his charm and personality garnered a large fanbase, demonstrating how animals can connect people. However, this same platform can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations of what pets, particularly wild animals, require. It’s crucial that we educate followers that domesticated wild animals might not share the same qualities as conventional pets.
Sarah Jenkins: That’s an excellent point. It seems there’s a fine line between loving a pet and understanding the responsibilities that come with it. What would you recommend to potential owners of unconventional pets like squirrels?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Prospective owners should do thorough research on the specific needs, habitat, dietary requirements, and social behaviors of these animals. Understanding that these pets, much like Peanut, require specialized care is crucial. Additionally, it’s vital to check local laws regarding ownership of wildlife, as many regions have regulations designed to protect both the animals and the ecosystem.
Sarah Jenkins: Given the emotional response from Peanut’s followers, do you think there will be any change in policies or focus on the treatment of wildlife in urban areas due to this case?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: I certainly hope so. Cases like Peanut’s can lead to increased advocacy for more humane treatment of wildlife and pets. It highlights the need for detailed procedures when handling seized animals and offers an opportunity for conversations about better education for the public regarding wild pets and wildlife conservation efforts.
Sarah Jenkins: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights on this poignant issue. Peanut’s story has resonated deeply, and hopefully, it will lead to positive changes in animal care and advocacy.
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Thank you, Sarah. It’s important to keep the dialogue going, and I appreciate your focus on educating the public about these issues.
Sarah Jenkins: And thank you to our listeners. We hope this discussion sheds light on the responsibilities of pet ownership and the need for understanding and compassion for all animals. Stay tuned for more enlightening stories on Time.news.