Justice Gorsuch Highlights Case of Euthanized Squirrel in Government Overreach Discussion
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch referenced the controversial euthanization of Peanut the Squirrel during a Federalist Society dinner, sparking discussions on government authority.
- Peanut the Squirrel and a raccoon were seized and euthanized by New York state authorities to test for rabies, despite testing negative posthumously.
- Justice Neil Gorsuch used Peanut's story to illustrate concerns about government overreach during a speech at the Federalist Society's annual dinner.
- The state Department of Environmental Conservation acted on complaints about the animals being kept illegally, leading to their confiscation and testing.
- Outrage followed the animals' deaths, with critics labeling the state's actions as excessive and unnecessary.
- The case has become a point of contention among conservatives, with figures like Elon Musk criticizing the government's approach.