Peanut the Instagram-famous squirrel did not have rabies, state officials say
Peanut the squirrel, the Instagram-famous rodent whose killing by New York State environmental officers became a brief election flashpoint, did not have rabies after all, officials have said.
Peanut the squirrel, the Instagram-famous rodent whose killing by New York State environmental officers became a brief election flashpoint, did not have rabies after all, officials have said.
The animal's owner, Mark Longo, said he would file legal action as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and local government leaders confirmed Tuesday that both Peanut and a raccoon named Fred that was euthanized on Oct. 30 had tested negative despite fears they had been exposed to the disease.
Chemung County Executive Chris Moss displayed certificates at a news conference Tuesday showing both animals had tested negative. Peanut bit an environmental officer during a search of Longo’s home, prompting the need for a test — in many cases animals need to be killed before a rabies test can be carried out.
"I realize people want to vent. But at the end of the day I think you have to realize the seriousness of humans contracting rabies," Moss said. "This is protocol from the state turned down to the county."
Moss conceded that in future the county could wait one or two days to assess the situation before euthanizing unauthorized animals.
Rating: 5