Is it legal to keep squirrels as pets in New York? Animal laws explored as anger erupts over Peanut the Squirrel's euthanization
Peanut, the squirrel, was euthanized by state government officials in Pine City, New York, on October 30, 2024. According to The New York Times, the squirrel that went viral on Instagram was taken along with a raccoon called Fred from Mark Longo's residence, and both animals were euthanized.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) stated that Peanut was euthanized to test for rabies after the squirrel bit someone involved in the investigation. Moreover, the department also mentioned that they received reports of "potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets."
Peanut's euthanization has raised questions about whether squirrels can be pets in New York. As per a USA Today report, squirrels cannot be kept as pets in New York. If one finds a squirrel or other animal that requires help in the state, one should find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to take care of it and release the animal back into the wild eventually. Additionally, it is illegal to keep squirrels as pets in New York as per World Population Review's compilation of "Pet Squirrel Legal States 2024."
"The government should leave people and their animals alone": Elon Musk comments on Peanut the squirrel's euthanization
Peanut the squirrel's euthanization garnered a lot of attention and it resulted in prominent celebrities like Elon Musk taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions on the same. Expressing discontent with the government in Peanut's situation, Musk tweeted on November 2, 2024:
"The government should leave people and their animals alone"
According to The New York Times, Mark Longo mentioned in an interview that he found the squirrel seven years ago in New York when the squirrel's mother was hit by a car on a busy street in Downtown Manhattan. Longo recalled that the squirrel ended up crawling up on his leg.
Describing the euthanized squirrel as “the most charismatic, sassy animal", Mark Longo mentioned that the squirrel was doing fine at this place and was set free in the backyard after some time. However, Peanut was attacked by other animals and lost half his tail resulting in Longo taking the squirrel in for its safety. The squirrel had its own room and was kept cage-free 24/7.
As per USA Today, in order to keep a squirrel for longer in New York, the rehabilitator must apply for a permit via the federal government post, after which investigators check out the living environment for the animal to ensure its safety.
Moreover, the caretakers have to get regular veterinary care for the squirrel and a vet must write a letter explaining why the animal cannot be released. Commenting on these requisites for Peanut, Mark Longo told CBS New York:
"We were ready to comply. We were ready to complete the paperwork. We were in the process of doing that. We needed a little bit of guidance from the DEC."
In an email on November 1, 2024, Mark Longo mentioned that he wanted to thank everyone who fought and supported him. In an Instagram post, he called out people who reported the squirrel to the authorities and wrote, "You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you."