Elmira, NY: Farewell to P’nut the Squirrel Amid Controversy
In a shocking turn of events, beloved internet sensation P’nut the squirrel has been euthanized by state environmental officials, igniting controversy and outrage among pet lovers and animal rights advocates. P’nut’s story and the circumstances surrounding his tragic end were brought to light by local residents, Mark and Daniela Longo, who owned an animal sanctuary called “P’nut’s Freedom Farm” near Elmira.
Claims of Jealousy and Financial Success
The Longos believe that someone may have reported them to the state out of jealousy as they enjoyed financial success by promoting their sanctuary through P’nut’s online adventures. Mark noted, “Maybe it’s someone who thinks I use this place to make a lot of money. Did this do wonders to my OnlyFans? Absolutely. It’s making a lot of money from this.”
The couple reportedly made an astonishing $800,000 in just one month from their adult content online, and P’nut played a significant role in attracting attention to their efforts. Mark shared that he had created a separate Instagram account for P’nut to showcase the squirrel’s playful moments, which also drove traffic to their adult content but clarified, “I completely separated myself from this entire thing.”
Authorities Step In
However, their success turned sour when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted a raid on their farm, claiming concerns over rabies. During this raid, they seized not only P’nut but also Fred, a raccoon who lived at the sanctuary. Sadly, both were euthanized just days later over the state’s rabies fears linked to human contact.
A Community Outrage
The community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly sympathetic towards the Longos. Mark described a recent encounter at a supermarket, where people recognized him from the front page of a newspaper featuring a headline about the incident. “They just kind of smiled and nodded,” he recalled. Others have expressed their support directly to the couple at places like restaurants, reinforcing their local hero status.
Public outcry has reached such a level that lawmakers have taken notice. State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has publicly proposed a new piece of legislation, to be called the “Peanuts Law: Humane Animal Protection Act.” This proposed law would require a 72-hour waiting period before an animal can be euthanized after being seized from a sanctuary. Blumencranz stated, “What happened to P’nut was a tragedy,” emphasizing that this could lead to positive change in animal rights. The proposed measure would allow sanctuary owners to challenge decisions and ensure fair processes are followed.
Political Reactions
Political reactions have not been limited to the state assembly. Prominent figures, including a spokesperson for former Governor Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Representative Marc Molinaro, have taken to social media to criticize how the current administration managed the situation. Azzopardi tweeted about the need for better oversight within state agencies, while Molinaro called for an official apology from Governor Kathy Hochul. The hashtag “#Justice4Peanut” has started to trend among supporters.
Financial Support for the Longos
Amid this storm of controversy, a GoFundMe page in memory of P’nut has gained traction, raising over $132,000 to support the Longos during this difficult time. People are coming together, united in their grief for P’nut and their anger at the circumstances of his death.
As the Longos navigate the emotional aftermath of losing their beloved squirrel, their story continues to generate discussions around animal rights, government policies, and the responsibilities of pet ownership. P’nut’s legacy lives on, as he has inspired a movement pushing for more humane treatment of animals within state policies.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
