The Man Who Took In Orphaned Peanut the Squirrel Says It's 'Surreal' Officials Euthanized His Pet

Animal Control Defends Decision, Citing Safety Concerns

James Ptomey of Ottawa said he was "shellshocked" when he received a call from the city's Animal Control Services informing him that Peanut, the orphaned squirrel he had been caring for, was going to be euthanized.

Ptomey had been taking care of Peanut since he found the baby squirrel on the ground three weeks ago. He had been bottle-feeding the animal and had been planning to release it back into the wild once it was old enough.

However, Animal Control Services said that it was illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet in Ottawa, and that Peanut posed a safety risk to the public. The agency said that squirrels can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and that they can also be aggressive if they feel threatened.

Ptomey said he was "heartbroken" by the decision to euthanize Peanut. He said that he had taken all the necessary precautions to ensure that the animal was healthy and safe, and that he did not believe that it posed any risk to the public.

"I'm just really disappointed in the city's decision," Ptomey said. "I don't think it was fair to Peanut. He was just a baby, and he didn't deserve to die."

Animal Control Services Defends Decision

Animal Control Services defended its decision to euthanize Peanut, saying that it was made in the best interests of public safety.

The agency said that squirrels can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies and tularemia. Squirrels can also be aggressive if they feel threatened, and they can bite or scratch people.

Animal Control Services said that it understands that people may be attached to wild animals, but that it is important to remember that these animals are not domesticated and can pose a risk to people and pets.

The Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership

The case of Peanut highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership. It is important to remember that wild animals are not pets, and that they can pose a risk to people and other animals.

If you find a wild animal that is injured or orphaned, the best thing to do is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained to care for wild animals and to release them back into the wild once they are healthy.