A Long Island lawmaker is calling for legal reforms and a thorough investigation into the euthanization of a pet squirrel who found fame on social media.
After the controversial seizure and euthanization of "Peanut the Squirrel" by state authorities, New York Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has proposed an amendment to the state's Environmental Conservation Law to protect sanctuary animals, WETM reported.
The amendment, named "Peanut's Law: Humane Animal Protection Act," seeks to prevent incidents like the recent confiscation of Peanut, a social media star, from his sanctuary home in Pine City.
Peanut's Law would introduce stricter animal rights protections, including a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before euthanizing sanctuary animals, emergency appeal rights through a dedicated Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) review board, and strict criteria for "immediate risk" cases, which would require confirmation from a licensed veterinarian. The law would also mandate transparency in DEC actions by requiring quarterly reports on animal seizures and prompt release of euthanization details.
Blumencranz has also called on Governor Kathy Hochul to investigate Peanuts seizure.
"I urge you to take immediate action by launching a thorough investigation into the handling of this case and ensuring accountability," he said. "It is essential that we work together to safeguard both the welfare of animals and the values we hold as a compassionate society."
Peanut was taken from his owner, Mark Longo, when the DEC received multiple reports of animals who could pose a risk to public safety and raided the animal sanctuary Longo operates with his wife. Outrage has spread across the internet since news of the raid and Peanut's euthanization have been made public.
Longo rescued Peanut as an orphaned juvenile and the pair's antics amassed hundreds of thousands of followers in the seven years Peanut lived in the Longo home.
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