To: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Governor’s Office, and New York State Legislature

We, the undersigned, are outraged and heartbroken by the recent events surrounding Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the raccoon, whose lives were senselessly ended due to bureaucratic actions by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Recently, the DEC dispatched 10 officers over several hours to capture and ultimately euthanize these harmless creatures, despite community pleas and the lack of any significant threat posed by the squirrels. This action not only represents a misuse of public resources but also highlights the disregard for ethical treatment of wildlife that citizens expect from their governing agencies. Peanut and his friend were cherished by nearly 3 million people worldwide who viewed them as symbols of nature’s innocence and beauty. Their deaths have left a profound emotional impact on the neighborhood and beyond.

We demand:

An Immediate Review of DEC’s Wildlife Intervention Policies: This incident calls for a reassessment of the protocols surrounding wildlife control, with a focus on non-lethal methods, community communication, and humane practices that prioritize relocation over euthanasia wherever possible.
A Public Explanation and Accountability for the Resources Used: The deployment of 10 DEC agents over several hours to capture two animals is a gross misuse of state resources that could have been directed toward addressing real environmental and conservation issues. DEC must explain its decision-making process and provide transparency about the reasoning behind such an excessive response.
Mandatory Humane Training for DEC Officers and Agents: Wildlife intervention should be rooted in compassion and respect for all life. DEC agents should receive training in humane wildlife management practices, emphasizing relocation, rehabilitation, and minimal intervention.
Establish Community Involvement Protocols for Non-Threatening Wildlife: In cases where animals pose no immediate risk to public safety, the DEC should engage with the local community to determine if other, non-lethal solutions are possible. Squirrels like Peanut are part of our shared environment, and decisions impacting their lives should reflect public values and conservation ethics.
This petition is a call to action to reform outdated, inhumane practices within New York's DEC and establish a precedent of respect for wildlife that aligns with public trust. We urge officials to take this incident as an opportunity to make meaningful changes, ensuring no other innocent animals meet the same fate as Peanut.

Let Peanut’s story serve as a reminder that every life is valuable. Sign this petition to demand accountability, humane practices, and a new approach to wildlife management in New York State.

Together, we can honor Peanut’s memory and advocate for a world where all animals are treated with the respect they deserve and help make the sanctuary better.