New York Introduces Peanut’s Law to Protect Wildlife in Sanctuaries - National Humane Education Society
January 2nd, 2025
Paws Up! Assemblyman Blumencranz of New York aims to defend the rights of sanctuary animals seized by state law enforcement with his proposal of “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act”
The lives of sanctuary animals in the state of New York may soon be improved by this newly proposed amendment to Section 11-0512 of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law. Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act, known simply “Peanut’s Law”, would alter the state’s protocol surrounding seizures from animal sanctuaries. This is in response to the widespread news story of Peanut the Squirrel, a rehabilitated squirrel who was euthanized during a New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) investigation following his rise to internet fame. While we at NHES recommend any animal that may survive on its own should be released, we recognize the great necessity of wildlife sanctuaries and our responsibility to treat the animals who live in them justly and humanely.
What legal reforms does Peanut’s Law seek to make on behalf of animals? First and foremost, Peanut’s Law legally defines sanctuaries as any wild animal care facility recognized by federal and state law while being enrolled under a valid tax identification number such as a 501(c)(3). Without this important definition, it would be difficult for the state to determine what organizations might qualify for these protections. All organizations that fall under this protected status would be granted the right to an administrative hearing before any animals are seized.
If Peanut’s Law is passed, the new bill would change the seizure and euthanasia protocols for the state of New York to include a 72-hour waiting period before any instance of euthanasia can occur. The only exception would be instances where there is an immediate risk to public safety as determined by a licensed veterinarian. These 72 hours allow families and sanctuaries to file an emergency appeal with the DEC, where the case will be reviewed by an emergency board including a licensed veterinarian, a public health official, and a sanctuary representative to determine the best course of action.
Accountability for the department in future animal seizure cases would come in the form of a quarterly report detailing animal seizures and outcomes, and a mandate to publish rabies testing results if the review board determines euthanasia and testing is needed. If the results were to come out negative, “Peanut’s Law” specifies that licensed animal sanctuaries will have the legal right to file for redress. These provisions once again are in response to the case of Peanut the Squirrel; the humans who loved him at P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary were left with no legal recourse when the animal was seized and euthanized the same day, despite later testing negative for rabies.
In his letter to New York Governor Hochul, Assemblyman Blumencranz expresses hope that Peanut’s Law “strikes a necessary balance: protecting animals, ensuring public safety, and respecting the dedication of sanctuary operators”. While it is exciting to think of the many benefits to animal welfare an ambitious bill such as this might make, it is yet to be seen if legislators in the state will vote in its favor. In the mean time, we at NHES recommend doing what you can to support the wildlife living in your own community: each individual conservation effort made by an animal lover like you makes an impact, and reduces the likelihood that one of these animals will need the intervention of an animal sanctuary.
Take Action: Contact Governor Hochul to Show Your Support for Peanut’s Law!
