Elon Musk comments on controversy over euthanized squirrel following social media star’s death | US News
Elon Musk has expressed his disapproval of the controversial euthanisation of a pet squirrel that gained fame on social media, denouncing it as “deeply wrong”.
Known as P’Nut or PNUT to his fans, Peanut the squirrel was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after witnessing its mother being hit by a car in New York City.
Having amassed over 533,000 followers on Instagram, this peculiar pet could be seen sporting a cowboy hat, munching on waffles, doing tricks, and perching on the conservationist’s shoulder.
However, after receiving multiple anonymous complaints, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took Peanut – along with a raccoon named Fred – from Mr Longo’s residence in Pine City on Wednesday.
Both animals were euthanised, as confirmed by the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health on Friday.
The reason cited for euthanising the animals was to test them for rabies after Peanut bit an individual involved in the investigation.
Disputing the claim, Mr Longo, who operates an animal sanctuary inspired by his squirrel named P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, mentioned not witnessing the squirrel biting anyone during what he described as a “heavy-handed” and “lengthy” search at his residence near the Pennsylvania border.
Mark Longo with his late pet squirrel Peanut. Pic: AP
‘Heartless killing machine’
Musk, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump leading up to the US election, shared his views on the incident and seized the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration.
On his social media platform X, the CEO of Tesla posted an AI-generated image of a squirrel depicted as the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi wielding a lightsaber, with the caption: “‘If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine’ Obi PNut Kenobi”.
Responding to a query on X that questioned the character of the agencies involved, Musk wrote: “The government is a mindless and heartless killing machine”.
Musk, the wealthiest individual globally, has been using his resources and influence to advocate for Mr Trump, concentrating on critical swing states.
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Commenting on another post featuring a brief video of Mr Longo’s wife Daniella playing with Peanut and Fred, emphasizing their euthanisation to test for rabies, Musk stated: “Deeply wrong”.
The confirmation of whether the animals indeed had rabies or not is pending from the DEC.
‘They took them and just killed them’
Mr Longo relayed to the Associated Press that this scenario still feels surreal to him: “Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them”.
He asserted: “We will make a stance on how this government and New York state utilises their resources.”
While no contact has been initiated by officials since the raid on his home, Mr Longo hinted at forthcoming communications from his end, highlighting that the state’s decision to seize and euthanise the animals will not go unchallenged.
Setting up a sanctuary
Mr Longo shared a brief compilation of videos on Instagram to his 100,000 followers, captioned “Gonna miss you little man”.
Formerly a mechanical engineer, he relocated from Connecticut to New York last year, establishing the P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary with his spouse.
It is unlawful in New York state to possess a wild animal like a squirrel without a license. Mr Longo acknowledged this and was in the process of certifying Peanut as an educational animal before the raid.
Requests for comment sent on Saturday remain unanswered by the DEC.
