Squirrel Token Backing Trump Emerges! U.S. Animal Rights Controversy Gives Rise to Meme Coin PNUT, Surging Over 600%

In the state of New York, USA, the seven-year companionship between a beloved squirrel named Peanut and its owner Mark Longo came to an abrupt end. Last Wednesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted a surprise search on Longo's farm and took Peanut and a recovering raccoon away. Recently, the DEC updated a statement, announcing that both animals had been humanely euthanized for rabies testing.

This incident has sparked frenzy discussions on American social media, with some even creating a meme coin called PNUT in its honor. Within a week, PNUT has been listed on major exchanges such as Binance and OKX, and as of November 4th, PNUT has surged over 600%.

US Animal Welfare Controversy Sparks Meme Frenzy

DEC's Latest Statement: Humane Disposal for Rabies Testing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a statement saying, "On October 30th, DEC discovered a squirrel and a raccoon in residences shared with humans, which may carry the rabies virus, posing a risk of human exposure. Additionally, one personnel was bitten by the squirrel during the investigation. Both animals have been humanely euthanized to determine if they had rabies." DEC emphasized that anyone who had contact with these animals should consult a doctor for safety.

According to New York State law, keeping wild animals, especially species that may carry rabies, is strictly prohibited.

Animal Lovers Petition for Peanut: Seeking Justice and Explanation

DEC's recent decision has sparked global attention and outrage from animal lovers. Since the incident, animal lovers have continued to petition for Peanut's freedom, with one petition garnering nearly 20,000 signatures in a short period. Longo mentioned that following the event, many celebrities and supporters have expressed concern about Peanut's fate and questioned DEC's decision.

"Not only did I lose a family member, Peanut, but it also jeopardized the P’Nuts Freedom Farm and Animal Sanctuary that relies on social media for funding. This sanctuary has saved over 300 animals, and without Peanut, I'm not sure if we can continue to receive donation support," Longo stated, expressing disappointment in DEC's handling of the situation.

Musk and Trump's Son Advocate for Peanut, Meme Coin PNUT Emerges

The controversy surrounding Peanut stirred up discussions even before Trump's election, with Musk voicing support and Trump's son using the incident to advocate for "deplatforming the Democratic government," leading some to believe that Peanut helped Trump's election. Following Peanut's removal, a meme coin based on Peanut was created.

The website stated, "Beloved squirrel Peanut was taken away and extinguished by NYSDEC. This rescued seven-year-old squirrel represents the P’Nut Family Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to saving and rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals. He may not be around, but he lives forever. Forever Peanut."

The meme coin was issued on Solana and quickly gained attention. This topic belonging to the American community soon caught the eye of cryptocurrency exchanges, with many medium-sized exchanges opening trading; major exchanges like Binance and OKX even started trading pairs within a week. After being listed, it quickly surged, but with increased liquidity, PNUT soon began to correct.