Alleged Monica Keasler photography page bombarded with negative reviews in wake of Peanut the Squirrel controversy
On October 30, Instagram's famous ‘Peanut the Squirrel’ was seized and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This comes after an individual named Monica Keasler allegedly reported Mark Longo and his wife Daniela’s pet to the authorities. Internet users have since flooded a Facebook page that is being connected to Keasler with negative comments.
As per their statement, the DEC euthanized Peanut the Squirrel and the owners’ pet raccoon named Fred "to test for rabies."
Longo has since taken to the squirrel’s Instagram page, @peanut_the_squirrel12, to allege that Monica Keasler will be sued for her actions. However, he later deleted the social media post and stated that he wished to gain more evidence before launching legal action against her.
Meanwhile, a Facebook page titled 'Monica Keasler Photography' was created on November 4. The page appears to be a scam account created by netizens to gain virality over the recent controversy. The page was flooded with content supporting presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
On November 4, the page shared a picture of a dog wearing a “Kamala Harris for President” cloth around its neck. The page also wrote in the post’s caption section, “Don’t forget to support LEGAL PETS!!”
The comment section of the social media post was flooded with negative reviews and comments towards Monica Keasler. Comments online read:
As per an alleged screenshot of Monica Keasler’s Facebook page, she is a “wellness advocate.” Times Now News also reported that she hails from Texas. However, it is worth noting that it remains unclear whether she is a real person and if she is the one behind the euthanization of the animals. Meanwhile, other comments read:
"I don’t know how to process this" - Mark Longo penned a post for Peanut the Squirrel
After Peanut the Squirrel was taken away by the DEC, Mark Longo took to its Instagram account on October 31 to share a picture of the animal. He also wrote online:
“Well internet, you WON. 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.”
Longo added that he was in "shock, disbelief, and disgusted" and mentioned that the animal had been his best friend for the last seven years.
"He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally," he said.
Mark Longo reportedly rescued Peanut after its mother was initially killed in a road accident.
Peanut the Squirrel had amassed over 640,000 followers on Instagram at the time of writing this article. The owners ran an animal refuge, P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, and were able to fund the same through their lucrative social media pages.
It is worth noting that Peanut the Squirrel was not a registered domestic pet, as the owners were reportedly in the process of having the animal registered as an educational animal.