Chemung County officials announced that both Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, seized from a Pine City home on October 30, tested negative for rabies. During a Tuesday press conference, officials clarified that the euthanizations, requested by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), aimed to prevent potential rabies transmission following complaints about the animals’ illegal possession.
According to officials, the Health Department’s role in authorizing euthanization was in response to DEC protocols, particularly after Peanut reportedly bit a DEC employee. The department emphasized that rabies confinement laws apply only to domestic pets, not wildlife.
This incident has spurred legislative action, with a New York Assemblyman introducing “Peanut’s Law” to protect sanctuary animals.
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