Everyone’s upset about Peanut the Squirrel. They should be.
The truth is that sometimes it’s necessary for Animal Control authorities to intervene and separate a dangerous species from a human owner. But Peanut presented no actual threat to public health.
Sadly, this kind of thing isn’t unusual. The Quaker Parrot finds itself on many “dangerous species” lists and can be euthanized on the spot in some states (including Pennsylvania). People still keep Quakers as pets in PA (but never mention this fact on social media for obvious reasons).
Let’s hope that Peanut’s death forces us to rethink the procedures used when a prohibited animal is seized. There was clearly no need for immediate euthanasia in this case.