Social media users were left heartbroken after Peanut the Squirrel was euthanised by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials. The seven-year-old rescued squirrel, commonly referred to as P’Nut on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, was put to death, along with Fred, the raccoon, so that the animals could not be tested for rabies, as per the official statement. P’Nut’s death sparked outrage on social media. The pet’s owner, Mark Longo, has been sharing videos and pictures in memory of his beloved pet. However, he has been under the wrath of controversy. It was alleged that Longo had used Peanut the Squirrel’s death to promote his porn account. But is it true? The OnlyFans creator addressed the allegations following the tragic demise of his beloved pet.

Allegations Against Mark Longo

The Pine City, New York, native Mark Longo turned an orphan squirrel into a social sensation after he witnessed the animal’s mother hit by a car. He was accused of capitalising on the squirrel’s euthanisation. Long reported to TMZ that he believed his OnlyFans account may be why Peanut and Fred were taken. The social media influencer further claimed that authorities questioned whether he had cameras in his home during the raid. “We’re not trying to promote this. That is not anything what’s going on,” Longo was quoted saying.

Peanut the Squirrel Taken Away From Mark Longo

He further claimed that the invasion was prompted by complaints from someone who did not approve of him shooting intimate videos with his wife or that he had babysat his neighbour’s children on a different occasion. He stressed on the fact that it was a shame Peanut had to die because a few people did not approve of his pornographic videos and OnlyFans account. It must be noted here that Peanut was seized and euthanised in the raid as part of a test for rabies. However, as per reports, there was proof that Peanut did not have rabies.

Peanut the Squirrel With Mark Longo

“Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them,” he was quoted saying the Associated Press.

Adorable Duo!

Mark Longo took in Peanut about seven years ago after the animal’s mother was hit by a car. His adorable videos and photos turned the squirrel into a social media star. Fred, the racoon, allegedly came to him a few months ago, at his doorstep with several injuries.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 06, 2024 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).