Peanut the Squirrel's Euthanasia Sparks Outrage as Rabies Tests Come Back Negative

New York State officials face backlash after euthanizing social media star Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon, despite both testing negative for rabies.

Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon were euthanized by New York State officials after being seized from their owner, Mark Longo, under suspicion of rabies.
Rabies tests conducted on both animals were negative, contradicting the initial justification for their euthanasia.
The Department of Environmental Conservation had planned to euthanize the animals days before the raid, raising questions about the necessity of their actions.
Mark Longo, the animals' owner, plans to file a lawsuit against the state, accusing officials of overreach and mishandling the situation.
The incident has sparked national outrage and political discourse, with figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. criticizing the government's actions.