Peanut the squirrel euthanized by DEC to test for rabies

[FallandPray]

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Peanut the squirrel, an internet sensation that sparked an animal sanctuary in Pine City, was euthanized this week after being seized from his home along with a rehabilitating raccoon, a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirms.

The statement released by the DEC on Friday, Nov. 1, confirms that both animals were euthanized to test for the presence of rabies, saying:

The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus. On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.

 

[MrDawn]

If any animal has rabies, it is a mercy to put them down. It is a very agonizing disease. Some would even suggest that it is a fate worse than death, especially when most humans don't survive such an infection.

 

[Daltonio]

Fuck the DEC.
If they actually had rabies, I could understand, but it sounds like they did this just in case with no signs that it was.

 

[MrDawn]

Fuck the DEC.
If they actually had rabies, I could understand, but it sounds like they did this just in case with no signs that it was.

I do feel like they went about this all wrong. I highly doubt those animals ever tested positive for rabies and just died over nothing, that's the part I find upsetting.