Posted on Tue, 5 November 2024
An orphaned squirrel that was euthanized after being kept as a pet in New York state (USA) is causing a national outcry and a hunt for the person who reported it. On social media, a photo of a woman alleged to have reported the case went viral, and many are using the incident as a political tool just days before the showdown at the polls between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The suspect in the report is supposedly a Democratic voter. Mark and Daniela Longo, who were Peanut's caretakers, told the "NY Post" on Sunday (10/3) that they were making money from the furry sensation online. By documenting the squirrel's daily life, the couple was directing the animal’s followers to their OnlyFans page.
"Did it work wonders for my OnlyFans?" Mark said of Peanut and the sanctuary where he lived. "Absolutely. I'm making a lot of money from it," he added.
The couple said they purchased the 141-acre property near Elmira with the $800,000 they earned in one month posting adult content online. Peanut then started doing his part in the business with his own fan base.
It turned out that one account, seemingly innocent, led to another. And vice-versa. "Every now and then, I’d post a shirtless photo (on Peanut’s page too), but I kept it completely separate from the whole thing. Obviously, people would find both accounts and try to link them," the American claimed, adding that he believes the person who reported him was uncomfortable with him caring for Peanut while also making money from adult content. The Longos ended up in the headlines after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation raided their property, "Peanut’s Freedom Farm," and seized their adorable furry pet along with his friend, a raccoon named Fred—both were euthanized over concerns related to rabies, as they had close contact with humans. The squirrel’s death sparked so much indignation that a state legislator proposed a bill to improve animal rights statutes, calling the proposed legislation the "Peanut Act: Humane Animal Protection Law."
