Elon Musk condemns the government's euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel, sparking a debate about animal rights

In a recent outburst on his X account, tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed outrage over the euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel, a popular pet and internet celebrity. New York state authorities' decision to euthanize Peanut has been heavily scrutinized, with Musk calling it a clear example of “government overreach.” He described Peanut's confiscation from his owner as a “kidnapping” and described the subsequent euthanasia as an “execution.”

Musk's heated posts have sparked widespread discussion among his followers, many of whom question the government's role in regulating pet ownership. In a striking analogy, Musk compared the situation to that of John Wick's dog, stating, “John Wick just wanted peace, but then they killed his innocent, beloved dog.” He further claimed, “The government kidnapped and executed an orphaned squirrel.” and provocatively claimed that “Donald Trump would save the squirrels” and appealed to the former president’s supporters for solidarity.

The case has led to a growing online movement calling for “Justice for Peanut,” with supporters creating AI-generated images of Peanut wearing MAGA hats and on Trump’s shoulder. Conservative filmmaker Robby Starbuck echoed Musk's sentiments, suggesting that a mention of Peanut by Trump in a campaign speech could significantly harm his election prospects.

The New York City Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said the decision to euthanize Peanut and a raccoon that shared his home was made after a person was bitten by the squirrel, raising concerns about possible rabies exposure occurred. The DEC said the animals were seized on Oct. 30 due to violations of state wildlife laws, which resulted in them being euthanized for rabies testing.

The public reaction to this incident underscores the ongoing debate about animal rights, government intervention and personal freedoms when owning pets. Musk's comments continue to resonate and spark discussions about the balance between government regulations and individual freedoms when it comes to beloved pets.