Elon Musk has spoken out about the controversial euthanasia of a pet squirrel, which became famous on social media, calling it “very wrong”.

Peanut the squirrel – known to his fans as P’Nut or PNUT – was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after he saw his mother hit by a car in New York City.

With more than 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet could be seen wearing a cowboy hat, nibbling on waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old conservationist’s shoulder.

However, after a number of anonymous complaints, That of New York The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mr. Longo’s home in Pine City on Wednesday.

Both animals were euthanizedthe DEC and Chemung County Department of Health confirmed Friday.

They said the animals were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit someone involved in the study.

Mr Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary inspired by his squirrel called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said he did not see the squirrel bite anyone during what he called a “heavy-handed” and “hours-long” search at his home. near the Pennsylvania border.

‘Heartless killing machine’

Musk, who has been an outspoken proponent of it Donald Trump in the run-up to the American electionscommented on the story and took the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration.

On his Platform imagine possibly ‘Obi PNut Kenobi’.

In an earlier response to a question to Musk wrote: “The government is a mindless and heartless killing machine.”

Musk, the richest man in the world, has used his wealth and influence to campaign on Trump’s behalf, with a particular focus on key swing states.

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In response to another post showing a short video of Mr. Longo’s wife, Daniella, playing with Peanut and Fred, with a caption repeating that they were put to sleep to check for rabies, Musk wrote: “Completely wrong” .

The DEC has not yet confirmed whether the animals had rabies or not.

“They took them and just killed them.”

Mr. Longo told the Associated Press this weekend: “Honestly, this still feels a little surreal, that the state I live in has basically targeted me and taken away two of the most beloved animals on this planet, and they haven’t once quarantined. took them from my house and just killed them”.

He added: “We will take a stand on how this administration and New York State use their resources.”

He said he had not heard from officials since they raided his home, but indicated they would hear from him soon — adding that the state’s decision to seize and euthanize the animals was “not unheard of.” will remain”.

Setting up a shrine

Mr Longo posted a short compilation of videos on Instagram to his 100,000 followers on Saturday, with the caption: “Gonna miss you little man”.

Formerly a mechanical engineer, he moved to New York from Connecticut last year, where he and his wife founded the P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.

It is against New York state law to own a wild animal, such as a squirrel, without a permit. Mr. Longo said he was aware of this and was filing paperwork before the raid to confirm Peanut was an educational animal.

The DEC has not yet responded to requests for comment, sent Saturday.