Euthanization of Viral Squirrel Sparks Political Outcry

New York wildlife officials euthanized Peanut the squirrel, leading to accusations of government overreach and political backlash.

Peanut the squirrel, a social media sensation, was seized and euthanized by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation after a raid on owner Mark Longo's home.
Authorities acted on public reports of unsafe wildlife housing, citing a need to test Peanut and a raccoon for rabies after a reported bite incident.
The euthanization has drawn significant criticism from right-wing figures, including Elon Musk and MAGA Republicans, who see the act as a symbol of government overreach.
Longo, who has cared for Peanut for seven years, has expressed deep anguish over the incident and criticized the DEC's handling of the situation.
The controversy has become a focal point in political discourse, with figures like Senator JD Vance and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene using it to rally against perceived Democratic policies.