Social media darling 'peanut' sparks political furore
Major scandal in the United States. The authorities of New York State have decided to euthanise a extremely popular squirrel on social media. The issue may affect the outcome of the presidential elections. According to Republicans, Democrats are responsible for the animal's death.
The squirrel, named Peanut, was very popular on social media. Over 600,000 people followed its Instagram profile. The animal's owner, Mark Longo, set up accounts for the squirrel when she was still very young.
Peanut's mother died under the wheels of a car, but the little squirrel adapted very well to her new environment. For seven years, Americans followed the story of the rodent that had adapted to living among humans, until now.
According to "The Guardian", the squirrel case appeared in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A report was filed to the office stating that the animal may be a threat to bystanders. The concern was about the potential transmission of rabies.
Department employees treated the matter extremely seriously. Officials seized the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from the owner. Peanut did not want to leave Mark Longo and bit one of the state officials.
Squirrel euthanised. Republicans accuse
Ultimately, the Department of Environmental Conservation decided that the animals would be euthanised. It was deemed necessary to check if they were carrying rabies. For Americans, this is a huge blow.
Fans of the squirrel are raising money for a lawsuit that Mark Longo may file against the Department of Environmental Conservation. Moreover, the case has also taken on a political aspect.
According to Republicans, the Democrats who govern New York State are responsible for the squirrel's death. In the opinion of journalists from "The Guardian", the case will undoubtedly leave its mark on the election outcome. It remains unclear to what extent, though.
Longo himself bid farewell to the squirrel in an emotional post.
Breakfast will never be the same without you. I love you mousey - wrote the animal's owner on Instagram.
