The Tragic End And Lasting Legacy Of Peanut The Squirrel: Why His Story Is Changing New York Law

The story of Peanut the Squirrel is one of internet fame, heartbreaking tragedy, and lasting legislative change, making it one of the most talked-about animal stories of the last decade. On this December 24, 2025, the legacy of the beloved Eastern Gray Squirrel is more relevant than ever, as his controversial seizure and subsequent euthanasia by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have directly inspired a new bill—"Peanut's Law"—aimed at reforming wildlife protocol in New York State. This is not just the tale of a viral pet, but a profound look at the clash between strict wildlife laws and the modern phenomenon of animal sanctuaries and pet influencers. Peanut, the male Eastern Gray Squirrel known as P'Nut, captured the hearts of millions with his charming antics and unique personality, amassing a massive following on Instagram over seven years. His fame, however, was tragically cut short, igniting a firestorm of public outrage and political debate that continues to shape animal welfare legislation today.

The Life and Controversial Death of an Internet Celebrity

Peanut’s life began in 2017 on the streets of New York City, where he was found as a helpless kit after his mother was struck and killed by a car. He was rescued by Mark Longo, a mechanical engineer who lived in Pine City, New York, near the Pennsylvania border. Longo and his wife, Daniela Longo, nursed the young squirrel back to health, and a unique bond was formed.

• Name: Peanut (also known as P'Nut)
• Species: Male Eastern Gray Squirrel
• Rescued: 2017, as a kit in New York City
• Owner/Caretaker: Mark Longo and Daniela Longo
• Location: Pine City, Chemung County, Upstate New York
• Claim to Fame: Viral Instagram celebrity with over half a million followers.
• Sanctuary: Inspired the founding of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.
• Seizure Date: October 30, 2024
• Euthanasia Date: Shortly after seizure (October 30, 2024)
• Cause of Death: Euthanized by New York DEC for rabies testing.

The Viral Rise of P'Nut and the Creation of a Sanctuary

Peanut’s journey from a rescued orphan to a global internet celebrity was meteoric. His Instagram account became a daily source of joy for hundreds of thousands of followers who watched his daily life, from eating snacks to playing with his caretaker. The squirrel’s popularity transcended simple pet videos; it inspired Mark Longo to dedicate his life to animal welfare, leading to the establishment of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in Upstate New York. The sanctuary provided a home for numerous rescued animals, further cementing Peanut's role as a symbol of compassion and rehabilitation.

The Raid, Seizure, and Tragic Euthanasia

The controversy surrounding Peanut reached its peak on October 30, 2024. Despite Peanut’s status as a beloved pet and sanctuary inspiration, New York State law is notoriously strict, prohibiting the keeping of most wild animals, including Eastern Gray Squirrels, as pets. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Longo’s Pine City home. While Longo suggests the DEC used the seizure as an excuse to take Peanut, the DEC stated the raid followed complaints about another resident of the sanctuary, a raccoon named Fred. Both Peanut and Fred the Raccoon were seized. Tragically, shortly after the seizure, both animals were euthanized by DEC officials as part of a protocol for rabies testing. The DEC cited public health concerns and the fact that Peanut was kept illegally as a pet as justification for the action.

The Maelstrom of Viral Outrage and Political Fallout

The news of Peanut’s death sparked an immediate and massive maelstrom of online outrage. Fans and animal advocates globally condemned the DEC's actions, viewing the swift euthanasia of an isolated, long-term pet as an act of unnecessary government overreach. The incident quickly moved from a social media story to a political flashpoint, with Peanut being held up as a martyr by some political figures. The controversy centered on several key issues:

• The Need for Rabies Testing: While the DEC's stated reason was rabies testing, critics argued that a 7-year-old, isolated squirrel from a sanctuary posed a minimal threat and that non-lethal testing methods should be explored.
• Lack of Due Process: The immediate euthanasia, without a waiting period or a chance for Longo to appeal or provide additional documentation, was seen as cruel and arbitrary.
• Wildlife Protocol Review: The public outcry was so intense that the DEC's new head was compelled to promise a review of the wildlife protocol following the incident in Chemung County. Five months after the seizure, the DEC confirmed it was actively reviewing its procedures.

Peanut's Law: A Lasting Legislative Legacy

The most significant and lasting outcome of Peanut’s tragic story is the introduction of new legislation in New York State. The controversy successfully channeled public anger into a concrete push for reform, demonstrating the power of a viral story to impact real-world policy.

The Humane Animal Protection Act

New York Republicans introduced a bill officially titled the Peanut's Law: Humane Animal Protection Act (NY State Senate Bill 2025-S7011). This legislation directly addresses the core grievance of the Peanut incident: the speed and finality of the DEC's action. The central provision of Peanut's Law is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before any animal seized from a registered animal sanctuary by the state can be euthanized. This delay is designed to provide several critical safeguards: 1. Time for Legal Challenge: It gives the sanctuary owner, such as Mark Longo, time to seek legal counsel or appeal the seizure. 2. Documentation Review: It allows state officials to thoroughly review all documentation related to the animal’s health, origin, and vaccination status, ensuring euthanasia is truly a last resort. 3. Public Health Balance: It seeks to balance the necessary protection of public health, especially concerning rabies, with the humane treatment and welfare of animals in established sanctuaries. This proposed law aims to strengthen the rights of animal sanctuaries and ensure a more humane and transparent process for handling seized animals. Peanut the Squirrel’s life was a testament to the unique bond between humans and animals, and his death became a catalyst for change. His story ensures that future decisions by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding animal seizures, particularly at sanctuaries like P'Nuts Freedom Farm, will be scrutinized under a new standard of transparency and humanity—a standard cemented by the ongoing push for Peanut's Law. The little Eastern Gray Squirrel is gone, but his legacy as a pet influencer and legislative reformer continues to grow.

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