In a story that has captured the attention and outrage of animal lovers and online followers across the country, the case of Peanut the Squirrel has taken an unexpected turn. Once beloved as an internet sensation, Peanut was raised by Mark and Daniela Longo, who adopted him as an orphaned rescue on their 350-acre farm in upstate New York.
But this heartwarming story turned tragic when the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) seized Peanut on October 30, citing potential rabies concerns, and ultimately euthanized him—a decision that has sparked outrage and even political debate.
Peanut’s Rise and Fall
Peanut wasn’t just any squirrel; he was a star. The Longos shared his quirky antics on social media, where he built a loyal fanbase and became a vital part of their online presence. As Peanut’s fame grew, so did the attention on the Longos and their OnlyFans account, a platform where they claimed to have earned $800,000 in a single month. The couple used these earnings to buy the expansive farm where Peanut lived alongside other rescue animals. But while Peanut’s social media presence remained largely family-friendly, some felt that the Longos’ crossover with their adult content fueled resentment toward them, potentially leading to Peanut’s seizure.
Days after the NYSDEC seized Peanut—and a raccoon called Fred—social media rumors arose, suggesting that jealousy might have played a role. The Longos hinted that someone envious of their success and visibility could have reported Peanut of spite, and before long, social media personality Sarah Fields (@sarahiscensored on X) posted that Monica Keasler, an alleged acquaintance, was the one who tipped off the NYSDEC.
Monica Keasler vs. the Internet
Fields’s post, which included Keasler’s name and hometown, went viral, and Keasler was soon deluged with hundreds of thousands of hostile messages. Keasler, who has not spoken publicly about the Longos or Peanut, became the immediate target of intense backlash, with accusations circulating that she had admitted to reporting Peanut. Mark Longo himself posted a screenshot on Instagram, sharing a message that allegedly showed Keasler confessing. “Remember this name,” he wrote, promising a major lawsuit to come.
However, the claims quickly unraveled when another X user named Joe (@checkitout5555) pointed out that a fake TikTok account had been created in Keasler’s name, attempting to pose as her. The account posted a so-called “confession,” but Joe highlighted inconsistencies, like the fact that the account was created just hours after Keasler’s name had started circulating.
With mounting doubts, Longo deleted his Instagram story and instead issued a plea for restraint. “Let’s make sure we are not hurting somebody else’s life,” he urged followers. “Before you go and target another person, let’s get the facts first.”
A Political Firestorm
Keasler’s alleged involvement, though now mostly debunked, quickly became a political flashpoint. The fake TikTok account’s profile featured the tagline “Kamala 2024,” igniting a polarized debate that spiraled far beyond the initial complaint.
JD Vance, who is running as Donald Trump’s VP pick, referenced Peanut’s case at a rally, naming it as an example of government overreach that he claimed his party was fired up to address. The incident has also drawn scrutiny from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, who accused Governor Kathy Hochul’s incumbent administration of failing to control state agencies. “When no one is minding the store,” he stated, “this is how stuff like this happens.”
New York Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has since proposed a bill titled “Peanut’s Law,” which would mandate a 72-hour waiting period and an appeals process before euthanizing any animals taken from private homes. Blumencranz, a vocal animal rights advocate, described the incident as a “tragedy” that could drive much-needed reform for the humane treatment of sanctuary animals across the state.
Public Outrage and What Follows
For the Longos, the emotional impact of losing Peanut has been severe. Mark described feeling “like a terrorist” during the NYSDEC’s raid, which he called “excessive.” Amid the backlash over Monica Keasler’s misidentification, the Longos are pressing forward with legal action against the NYSDEC. They argue that the seizure and euthanization of Peanut and Fred were mishandled, and they’re determined to bring attention to what they describe as government overreach.
Meanwhile, the public outcry shows no signs of dying down—unfortunately, much of it is still directed at Keasler. “Justice for Peanut” continues to trend across social media, and a GoFundMe campaign in Peanut’s memory has already raised over $132,000. Supporters are pushing for Governor Hochul to acknowledge what they view as a wrongful euthanization, with many also calling for a formal apology.
Peanut’s Legacy
As the controversy unfolds, Peanut’s legacy may extend well beyond the Longos’ farm. Many hope that the public’s response will lead to greater protections for animals held in sanctuaries, sparking changes in state policy on how seized animals are handled. For now, Peanut’s tragic story has transformed into a broader movement that calls for accountability and empathy in animal welfare policies—an outcome that, supporters argue, may be the only good that comes from the squirrel’s untimely death.
Sources:
New York Post: Who ratted out P’nut the squirrel? Grieving owners have their theory — and it’s a rich one
USA Today: Social media star Peanut the Squirrel has been euthanized after being seized from NY home
Soap Central: “Let’s get the facts first” – Fake Monica Keasler TikTok post claiming she was the Peanut The Squirrel complainant prompts owner to speak out
