Additional Coverage:
- Peanut the pet squirrel taken away by New York state officials from adopted home, may be euthanized (foxnews.com)
Beloved Pet Squirrel Faces Euthanasia
A beloved pet squirrel named Peanut, with hundreds of thousands of social media followers, has been taken by state officials and may face euthanasia.
Peanut’s owners, who run an animal rescue in his name, are devastated. They claim that their home was raided and Peanut was seized by the New York Department of Conservation (DEC).
Peanut’s Rescue and Fame
Peanut was found as a baby squirrel after his mother was killed. He was nursed back to health and became a beloved pet. Over the years, Peanut and his owners have charmed the internet with videos of their adventures.
DEC’s Investigation
The DEC initiated an investigation after reports of Peanut’s potential unsafe housing and the illegal keeping of wildlife as a pet. The DEC’s investigation is ongoing.
Peanut’s Owners’ Plea
Peanut’s owners are pleading with the public for support. They have set up a GoFundMe page to continue funding their animal rescue, which has relied heavily on Peanut’s online presence.
The DEC’s statement highlights the concerns about rabies and the legality of keeping wildlife as pets. However, Peanut’s owners are determined to fight for his life.