In the state of New York, the seven-year companionship between Peanut, a beloved squirrel by social media fans, and its owner Mark Longo came to an abrupt end. Last Wednesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted a surprise search of Longo’s farm and took Peanut and a recovering raccoon away. Recently, DEC updated a statement, announcing that both animals have been euthanized for rabies testing.
This incident has sparked a frenzy on American social media, with some even creating a meme coin called PNUT in honor of Peanut. Within a week, PNUT has been listed on major exchanges such as Binance and OKX, and has surged by over 600% since November 4.
Controversy over animal welfare in the United States sparks meme frenzy
DEC’s latest statement: humane disposal for rabies testing
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a statement, saying, “On October 30, DEC found a squirrel and a raccoon in a residential area inhabited by humans, which could potentially carry the rabies virus and pose a risk of human exposure. Additionally, during the investigation, a staff member was bitten by the squirrel. Both animals have been euthanized to determine if they had rabies.” DEC emphasized that anyone who had contact with these animals should consult a doctor to ensure safety.
According to New York State law, it is strictly prohibited to keep wild animals illegally, especially species that may carry rabies.
Animal lovers petition for Peanut: seeking justice and explanation
DEC’s latest decision has drawn attention and outrage from animal lovers worldwide. Since the incident, animal lovers have continued to launch petitions, calling for Peanut’s freedom. One petition even garnered nearly twenty thousand signatures in a short period. Longo mentioned that after the incident, many celebrities and supporters expressed concerns about Peanut’s fate and questioned DEC’s decision.
“This not only caused me to lose a family member in Peanut but also disrupted P’Nuts Freedom Farm and Animal Sanctuary, which relies on social media funding. This sanctuary has saved over 300 animals, and without Peanut, I am not sure if we can continue to receive donation support.” Longo expressed his disappointment with DEC’s handling of the situation.
Musk, Trump’s son voice support for Peanut, meme coin PNUT emerges
The controversy surrounding Peanut had already been heated before Trump’s election, with Musk voicing support, and Trump’s son using the incident to advocate for “taking down the Democratic government.” Some even believe that Peanut helped Trump win the election. Following Peanut’s removal, a meme coin centered around Peanut was born.
A website stated, “Beloved squirrel Peanut was taken away and extinguished by NYSDEC. This rescued seven-year-old squirrel represents the P’Nut Family Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to saving and rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals. He may not be around physically, but he lives on forever. Forever Peanut.”
The meme coin was issued on Solana and quickly gained attention. This American social media topic soon caught the eye of cryptocurrency exchanges, with many mid-sized exchanges starting to trade. Major exchanges Binance and OKX even opened trading pairs within a week. After being listed, the coin quickly surged but later experienced a pullback once it gained higher liquidity.