A beloved rescue squirrel named P'nut was tragically euthanized following a rabies concern raised after it bit a New York state investigator.
The New York Post reported that P'nut, a seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, became a notable figure on social media with his endearing antics capturing hearts on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
His life took a stark turn when he, alongside a raccoon named Fred, was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
This action was prompted by an incident during which P'nut bit one of the agency's investigators, raising concerns about rabies exposure. The subsequent euthanization of the beloved pets has ignited outrage around the nation.
Many Americans are demanding justice and serious consequences for every government official who played a role in this absolutely unnecessary and heartbreaking tragedy.
P'nut’s journey began tragically when Mark Longo, his future guardian, found him beside his mother who had been struck by a vehicle.
Rescuing the injured squirrel, Longo nurtured P'nut back to health, eventually making him a part of his family and the broader online community. P'nut’s amusing and heartwarming videos quickly attracted a sizable following, establishing him as a beloved internet figure.
Mark Longo's life with P'nut expanded into a greater mission over the years, leading him to establish P'Nut's Freedom Farm in upstate New York.
This sanctuary became a haven for rescued animals, underlining Longo's deep commitment to animal welfare and protection. However, Longo's personal and professional life faced unprecedented disruption when state authorities intervened following multiple anonymous complaints about wild animals residing in his home.
When the Department of Environmental Conservation received reports that not only P'nut but also Fred the raccoon were housed at Longo's property, they were compelled to act citing public health concerns.
Rabies vector species in domestic settings pose significant risks, necessitating strict control measures. Such concerns were heightened when P'nut bit a DEC investigator, triggering a protocol that sadly concluded with the euthanasia of both animals to perform rabies testing.
Mark Longo, devastated by the turn of events, expressed his anguish and frustration through several Instagram posts. He memorialized his time with P'nut, saying, “RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best seven years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything."
His grief was palpable as seen in his posts that also echoed a sense of betrayal, feeling that the actions were a result of internet-driven scrutiny and anonymous tipsters.
In response to losing P'nut and Fred, Longo reached out to his online community for support. He sought financial assistance to cover legal fees aiming to challenge the DEC’s actions, as well as support for continuing the operations of P'Nut's Freedom Farm.
"Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he declared in a poignant Instagram post, underscoring his distress and the contentious nature of the circumstances.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation defended its actions in a public statement, emphasizing the necessity of testing for rabies following the biting incident.
"In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician,” according to the official statement obtained by WETM.
Moving forward, Longo views this tragic event as a catalyst for broader dialogue about wildlife rescue and the laws surrounding the care of animals considered to be rabies vectors. He hopes to use his platform and community support to challenge existing policies that ultimately resulted in a heartbreaking outcome for his beloved pets.
He plans to use his grief as a rallying cry for animal rights and showcases the need for clear, humane guidelines for similar rescue endeavors.