New York Republicans are advocating for a new law called “Peanut’s Law: The Humane Animal Protection Act” in response to the tragic death of a beloved pet squirrel named P’Nut last year. This law would require a 72-hour waiting period before the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) can euthanize any seized animal, as well as give animal owners the opportunity for a hearing before the state takes any action. P’Nut, along with another pet squirrel named Fred, were taken from Mark and Daniela Longo’s farm after an anonymous complaint, and were subsequently killed and tested for rabies with negative results.
P’Nut had a large social media following of nearly one million followers who enjoyed watching content of the squirrel and his family. When news of P’Nut’s tragic end was shared on his Instagram page, there was widespread backlash against the DEC’s actions online. Figures such as Elon Musk and President Trump even commented on the killing of the cherished pets. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, who is sponsoring the bill, emphasized that the legislation is about due process and ensuring that animals are not euthanized unless they pose an immediate danger.
Mark and Daniela Longo, who operate an animal sanctuary, expressed their hope that the new bill will prevent similar cases from occurring in the future. Mark Longo stated that passing this law would be a step towards ensuring that animal rights are not overlooked any longer. P’Nut was rescued by the Longos as a baby after his real mother was killed by a car when he was just five weeks old. Assemblyman Blumencranz emphasized that P’Nut and Fred were not dangerous, sick, or wild threats, but rather beloved rescues who were loved, nurtured, and safe.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is a necessary measure to protect both animals and their owners. Critics, however, believe that the bill does not go far enough, stating that words alone will not save animals like P’Nut and Fred unless substantive changes are made to the current laws. An attorney representing the Longo family did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The Longos and their supporters are advocating for Peanut’s Law in memory of P’Nut and Fred, in the hopes of preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
