Wrong priorities? New York officials euthanize ‘harmless’ peanut the squirrel, but struggle to control violent illegal immigrants

In a heartbreaking twist, Peanut the Squirrel, a popular Instagram pet, was euthanized by New York State officials, sparking public outrage. Peanut, along with Fred the Raccoon, was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on October 30 and euthanized two days later due to rabies concerns. The decision has left Peanut owner Mark Longo devastated, sparking debate about New York’s approach to public safety — especially given rising crime and gang-related violence on the city’s streets.

Peanut’s owner, who had cared for him for seven years, expressed his sadness: “Their lives were precious and we refuse to accept this loss in silence.” Peanut, who gained more than 536,000 followers on Instagram, was adored by animal lovers online. Longo claimed he was in the process of legally certifying Peanut as a “teaching animal” before the DEC intervened. Despite public support, the state continued with euthanasia, citing the potential risk of rabies after a biting incident. according to People.

Rising crime and public safety concerns

While New York officials moved quickly to seize and euthanize Peanut, critics say the state is failing to address more pressing threats — particularly the escalating rates of violent crime linked to criminal gangs in the U.S. shelter system. city. According to Fox NewsIn Midtown Manhattan, undocumented immigrants now make up 75% of arrests, with crimes ranging from theft to assault and domestic violence. Critics argue that New York’s policies intended to protect undocumented residents have inadvertently created a haven for criminal groups that exploit the system.

The New York Post reports that the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent organization from Venezuela, has infiltrated New York’s shelter system and abused shelter policies to evade federal law enforcement. Law enforcement sources say the gang has managed to build a thriving criminal operation within the hideouts, involving drug trafficking, arms sales and human trafficking. Shelter policies limit the ability of local authorities to monitor or intervene within the shelter system, creating a fertile environment in which these criminal networks can operate.

Public outrage over Peanut’s fate and the crime crisis

The contrast between the speedy handling of Peanut’s case and the state’s apparent inability to curb gang violence has fueled public frustration. Longo’s tearful plea for Peanut’s life went unanswered, while New York City’s crime rate skyrocketed with limited intervention. This disparity has led residents to question the priorities of state and city officials. “It’s mind-boggling that they would prioritize euthanizing a harmless animal over tackling gangs that openly operate in shelters,” said one New York resident.

According to PeoplePeanut was seized after reports of the risk of rabies due to his interactions with humans. However, advocates argue that the state’s response lacked compassion, especially considering Peanut’s role as a beloved companion to Longo and his family. Meanwhile, families in New York’s urban neighborhoods continue to be hit hard by rising crime, a concern they believe is not being adequately addressed.

Shelter policies are fueling concerns about crime

Critics of New York’s shelter policy say the approach has inadvertently fueled crime, especially among migrants in city shelters. Fox News reported that immigrants are responsible for more than 60% of arrests in Queens, including offenses such as theft and assault. Despite the alarming statistics, New York remains steadfast in its sanctuary policy, which prevents police from working directly with federal immigration authorities, even when targeting violent offenders.

Mayor Eric Adams has publicly expressed concerns about the limitations this policy places on his administration, and laments his lack of power to change this policy. “I do not believe that if someone commits a violent crime, we should not work with ICE to have that person removed from our country after he has served his sentence,” Adams said in a news conference. The New York Post. However, shelter policies continue to limit the NYPD’s ability to limit gang-related violence in shelters, creating what some critics describe as a “safe haven” for organized crime.

A city at a crossroads

The public outcry over Peanut’s euthanasia has underscored a deeper problem as residents reflect on New York’s struggle to balance compassion with safety. While animals like Peanut, considered a public health risk, are quickly removed, the city’s streets are increasingly plagued by violent crime and organized gang activity. Many are now calling for a reassessment of shelter policies, arguing that public safety must be prioritized to protect citizens and ensure accountability.

Meanwhile, Peanut’s legacy lives on through the collective outrage his loss sparked, highlighting the contradictions in New York’s approach to public safety. As Longo told Peanut’s followers, “Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I let you down, but thank you for everything.” For many New Yorkers, Peanut’s tragic end symbolizes the city’s misplaced priorities and the urgent need for reforms that protect both residents and beloved animals.