Who was Pinda? Huge row erupts in US after social media squirrel is euthanized; MAGA turns tragedy into election trick

Peanut the Squirrel, a well-known figure on social media, was put to death after being seized by New York state earlier this week, the Department of Environmental Conservation said.

Fred the raccoon and Mark Longo’s seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, recognized on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok as “P’Nut,” were euthanized together to test the animals for rabies, WETM reported, citing a statement from the agency . The DEC seized them during a raid following anonymous complaints about the living conditions of the animals.

P’NUT, who lived with Longo for seven years, gained fame for his funny antics. He was often seen devouring waffles while wearing crocheted bunny ears or small cowboy hats.

Ministry of Environmental Conservation issues statement

The fate of P’Nut and Fred was confirmed in a statement from the DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health.

“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel that shared a home with humans, creating the potential for humans to be exposed to rabies. In addition, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” authorities said, according to CBS News. The animals are tested for rabies and anyone who has come into contact with them is strongly advised to consult their doctor.

The animal shelter owner, Longo, claimed to have adopted P’Nut after a car crushed his mother in New York.

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Peanut’s Instagram account shows the squirrel putting on little hats, holding and eating waffles, jumping through a hoop and jumping onto Longo’s shoulder.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate calls for compassion, the organization has chosen to ignore our pleas, leaving us deeply shocked and saddened,” read an Instagram post featuring a video montage of the animals interacting with their happy caregivers.

In a heartbreaking post, Longo said that “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.”

“RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I let you down, but thank you for everything,” Longo said.

In April 2023, Longo and his wife, Daniela, founded P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. According to Longo, it is currently home to more than 300 animals, including alpacas, goats and horses. He claimed he was filling out the necessary paperwork to get P’NUT approved as an educational animal when Peanut was taken away.

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Previously, Longo, 34, who has posted several videos of Peanut on TikTok and Instagram, expressed his sadness over the seizure on social media and vowed to do everything in his power to reunite with his beloved pet. He even launched a campaign in an attempt to get his squirrel back. In a message after the seizure of his favorite squirrel, Longo said, “Well, Internet, you won,” assuming that the messages that prompted the seizure came from Internet users who didn’t like him.

Maga turns P’NUT’s death into an election ploy

Meanwhile, several social media users expressed their agony and outrage over the incident, with MAGA turning the entire incident into an election ploy ahead of the November 5 elections.

“Government officials seized and killed this man’s squirrel,” wrote Ian Miles Cheong on X.

“Without a search warrant, the @NYSDEC entered his home, seized Peanut and shot him just two days later,” Prometheus (DARK MAGA) tweeted, hoping that “every last one of them gets exactly the punishment they deserve.”

“I’ve been on the fence for a while. But if the Democrats really came in and killed this 8 YEAR old man’s squirrel… Bring me the red hat…,” said a third user.