Peanut The Squirrel
(Screenshot: Peanut The Squirrel Instagram)

In a heartbreaking twist, Peanut the Squirrel, a popular Instagram pet, was euthanised by New York State officials, leading to public outcry. Peanut, along with Fred the Raccoon, was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on October 30 and euthanised two days later due to concerns about rabies. The decision has left Peanut's owner, Mark Longo, devastated, sparking discussions on New York's approach to public safety—especially given rising crime and gang-related violence on the city's streets.

Peanut's owner, who had cared for him for seven years, expressed his sorrow: "Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence." Peanut, who gained over 536,000 followers on Instagram, was adored by animal lovers online. Longo claimed he was working on legally certifying Peanut as an "education animal" before the DEC's intervention. Despite public support, the state proceeded with euthanisation, citing the potential rabies risk after a biting incident, according to People.

Rising Crime and Public Safety Concerns

While New York officials acted quickly to seize and euthanise Peanut, critics argue that the state is failing to address more urgent threats—particularly the escalating rates of violent crime linked to criminal gangs in the city's shelter system. According to Fox News, undocumented migrants now constitute up to 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan, with crimes ranging from robbery to assault and domestic violence. Critics argue that New York's sanctuary policies, intended to protect undocumented residents, have inadvertently created a refuge for criminal groups exploiting the system.

The New York Post reports that the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent organisation from Venezuela, has infiltrated New York's shelter system, taking advantage of sanctuary policies to evade federal law enforcement. Law enforcement sources say the gang has managed to build a thriving criminal operation within the shelters, engaging in drug trafficking, weapons sales, and human trafficking. The sanctuary policies limit local authorities' ability to monitor or intervene within the shelter system, creating a fertile environment for these criminal networks to operate.

Public Outrage Over Peanut's Fate and Crime Crisis

The contrast between the swift handling of Peanut's case and the state's apparent inability to curb gang violence has fuelled public frustration. Longo's tearful plea for Peanut's life went unanswered while crime rates soared across New York City with limited intervention. This disparity has led residents to question the priorities of state and city officials. "It's mind-boggling that they would prioritise euthanising a harmless animal over dealing with gangs operating openly in shelters," commented one New York resident.

According to People, Peanut was seized after reports of rabies risk due to his interaction with humans. However, supporters argue that the state's response lacked compassion, especially given Peanut's role as a beloved companion for Longo and his family. Meanwhile, families in urban New York neighbourhoods remain deeply affected by rising crime, a concern they feel is not being adequately addressed.

Sanctuary Policies Fuel Crime Concerns

Critics of New York's sanctuary policies say the approach has unintentionally fuelled crime, particularly among migrants in city shelters. Fox News reported that migrants are responsible for over 60% of arrests in Queens, including offences such as robbery and assault. Despite the alarming statistics, New York remains steadfast in its sanctuary policy, which prevents the police from working directly with federal immigration authorities, even when handling violent offenders.

Mayor Eric Adams has publicly voiced concerns over the limitations these policies impose on his administration, lamenting his lack of power to amend them. "I don't believe if a person commits a violent felony act that we should not coordinate with ICE to have that person removed from our country after they served their time," Adams stated in a press briefing, according to The New York Post. However, sanctuary policies continue to restrict the NYPD's ability to mitigate gang-related violence within shelters, creating what some critics describe as a "safe haven" for organised crime.

A City at a Crossroads

The public outcry over Peanut's euthanisation has underscored a deeper issue as residents reflect on New York's struggle to balance compassion with safety. While animals like Peanut, deemed a public health risk, are swiftly removed, the city's streets are increasingly plagued by violent crime and organised gang activity. Many are now calling for a reassessment of sanctuary policies, arguing that public safety should be prioritised to protect citizens and enforce accountability.

In the meantime, Peanut's legacy lives on through the collective outrage his loss has sparked, highlighting contradictions in New York's approach to public safety. As Longo told Peanut's followers, "Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I'm sorry I failed you, but thank you for everything." For many New Yorkers, Peanut's tragic end has symbolised the city's misplaced priorities and the urgent need for reforms that protect residents and beloved animals alike.

New York