New Legislation “Peanut’s Law” Introduced After Authorities Tragically Seize & Kill Beloved Peanut The Squirrel

Photos from: @Peanut_The_Squirrel12 Instagram

The tragic seizure and killing of Peanut the squirrel in New York has sparked global outrage, drawing widespread criticism from animal lovers worldwide. Peanut, a beloved squirrel, was rescued seven years ago after being found orphaned and injured as a baby, and nursed back to health.

Following anonymous complaints, officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized both Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s home in rural Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border.

With a rapidly growing Instagram following of 698,000, Peanut was adored by fans around the world. Tens of thousands signed an online petition demanding his return. Unfortunately, in New York, wild animals are regarded as property, offering little legal recourse.

Rescued as an infant, Peanut was unable to develop the essential survival skills needed for the wild, leading to the decision to keep him indoors for his well-being. As for Fred, Lango said he only had the raccoon for a few months, hoping to rehabilitate the injured animal and release him back into the wild.

On the day Peanut and Fred were taken, DEC officials cited state regulations prohibiting the ownership of wild animals, as well as concerns that the animals could potentially carry rabies. Despite Peanut being docile and posing no threat, current laws allow authorities to seize and euthanize wild animals deemed a public health risk, often without notice or an appeal process for the owners.

Tragically, because rabies tests cannot be performed on live animals, the DEC moved swiftly to euthanize Peanut and Fred, despite protests from both their owner and the public. Pleas to rehome the animals or send them to a sanctuary were denied.

According to the DC Department of Health, “No person in the U.S. has ever contracted rabies from a squirrel. Regardless of a squirrel’s behavior, if bitten, a tetanus vaccine is recommended if it has been more than five years since the last vaccination.”

The decision to euthanize both Peanut and Fred has not only devastated their owners and supporters, it has also sparked calls for urgent reform of New York’s wildlife regulations. Advocates are demanding more humane approaches for handling rescued wildlife, especially those that have become long-term pets.

In response to the outcry, New York Assemblyman and animal advocate Jake Blumencranz introduced “Peanut’s Law: The Humane Animal Protection Act.” This proposed legislation seeks to reform the process of animal seizure and euthanasia by requiring authorities to provide advance notice and allow an appeal before euthanizing animals taken from sanctuaries or private homes. The law aims to ensure fairer treatment and a more compassionate approach for animals like Peanut, who have lived with humans for years.

“I’ve called on Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for a FULL investigation into this tragedy which resulted in the death of @peanut_the_squirrel12 and Fred the Raccoon, and l’ve just introduced “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act” to protect sanctuary animals like them and ensure that this never happens again. We must protect every animal and animal sanctuary like @nuts_freedom_farm,” shared Blumencranz on Instagram.

To support this important legislation, please reach out to your state lawmakers and emphasize the importance of humane laws for wildlife like Peanut and Fred.

After rescuing Peanut, Lango was inspired to open his own rescue, P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, which opened in April 2023. The sanctuary now houses about 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Lango runs the sanctuary with his wife, Daniela, and other family members. You can support his sanctuary HERE!

Sign the petition calling for justice for Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the raccoon, and support the NYSDEC reform HERE!