When a celebrity is removed from the public eye, the online community reacts. Such was the case with the euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel, a popular internet celebrity. JD Vance, the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, revealed that Donald Trump is outraged about the incident. The euthanasia was due to potential rabies exposure. However, the incident sparked claims of government overreach and calls for animal welfare reform.
Trump’s Reaction, Conservative Outrage
Senator JD Vance has revealed that former President Donald Trump is “furious” over the euthanasia of P’Nut the Squirrel, a viral internet sensation owned by Mark Longo. The incident has sparked a firestorm among conservatives, with many seeing it as an example of government overreach.
P’Nut was seized and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) due to concerns about rabies exposure. The DEC reported that a person was bitten by the squirrel during the investigation, necessitating rabies testing. However, the decision has been met with widespread criticism and skepticism.
JD Vance says that Donald Trump is "fired up" over the death of P’nut the Squirrel. https://t.co/2w0t8FD1rx pic.twitter.com/C4YOC5cacY
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2024
Celebrity Responses and Public Outcry
The incident has drawn attention from high-profile figures beyond the political sphere. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, expressed his disapproval of the government’s actions, sharing an AI-generated image of a Jedi Squirrel to emphasize his point.
“Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him” Musk stated on social media.
Senator Vance recounted Trump’s reaction, saying, “He was like, ‘You know, is it really the case that the Democrats murdered the Elon Musk of squirrels?'” This comment highlights the political dimension that the incident has taken on, with conservatives viewing it as another example of government overreach under Democratic leadership.
JD Vance: Donald Trump Is ‘Fired Up’ Over The Killing Of P’Nut The Squirrel https://t.co/DAzvxBzS9Y #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) November 4, 2024
Legal and Ethical Questions
The euthanization of P’Nut has raised important questions about animal rights and welfare. New York State law requires a license to own wild animals, and Longo was reportedly in the process of obtaining one when the incident occurred. Critics argue that the DEC’s actions were excessive, with Longo describing a large raid on his home to seize the animal.
“DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel!.”
In response to the public outcry, a state lawmaker has proposed “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act,” aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. This legislative action underscores the impact that P’Nut’s story has had on public sentiment and policy discussions.
Public Support and Calls for Justice
The outpouring of support for P’Nut and his owner has been substantial. A GoFundMe page titled “Call For Justice for Peanut the Squirrel and NYSDEC Reform” has raised over $158,000, demonstrating the strong emotional connection many felt to the viral sensation.
As the debate continues, the incident serves as a rallying point for those concerned about animal welfare and government regulations. The involvement of high-profile figures like Trump and Musk has amplified the discussion, ensuring that P’Nut’s legacy will likely influence future policy decisions regarding the treatment of animals that capture the public’s heart.
