Conservative social media rallies surrounding Peanut the euthanized squirrel

An orphaned squirrel known to hundreds of thousands as Peanut was euthanized by New York animal control authorities this week after a raid on Mark Longo's home. Peanut's death sparked outrage on social media – particularly from Donald Trump supporters and MAGA enthusiasts, who complained that the Biden-Harris administration was too strict on laws, such as not being properly licensed for housing wild animals.

Officials from the Chemung County Department of Environmental Conservation and the Chemung County Health Department took Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Longo's home in Pennsylvania, then killed the animals to test for rabies. Officials had received calls that Longo was harboring the animals illegally.

Longo apparently operated an animal shelter called “P'Nut's Freedom Farm” out of his home without a license to house wildlife. He adopted Peanut seven years ago but hasn't explained why he hasn't applied for a license.

“Not only did it tear my family apart, but Peanut was the cornerstone of our non-profit animal rescue,” he told TMZ. “And 10 to 12 DEC officers searched my house like I was a drug dealer. I sat outside my house for five hours. I had to get a police escort to my toilet. I wasn't even allowed to give my rescue horses breakfast or lunch. I sat there like a criminal after they interrogated my wife to check her immigration status.”

“They got a search warrant. Four agencies and a judge approved a search warrant for a squirrel and a raccoon. And then they took her and killed her,” Longo added.

Reaction to the news was quick. Former music video director Robby Starbuck wrote on Serious note: If Trump includes Peanut in his speech with a RIP graphic in the background, this race is officially over. We want justice for Peanut!”

Elon Musk joined in, sharing an AI-generated image of a squirrel wearing a Jedi robe and holding a lightsaber. He wrote: “'If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can imagine' Obi PNut Kenobi.”

Another account shared a meme suggesting that the U.S. government is more concerned with killing “pet squirrels” than with immigration to the United States. Musk commented: “Missed priorities.”

In a statement to CBS News, DEC commented: “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and a squirrel that shared a residence with humans, posing a risk of human exposure to rabies.” Person bitten by squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized.”

“The animals will be tested for rabies and anyone who has come into contact with these animals is strongly advised to consult their doctor.”

Here are some of the other memes posted by conservative Peanut fans:

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