Arabic version: نيوتي القندس، الحيوان الأليف المحبوب، يتوفى بسبب السرطان

Neuty the nutria, a pet rodent who captured the hearts of many in Louisiana, has died from cancer. His family, Denny and Myra Lacoste, announced the news on Instagram, where Neuty had amassed over 37,000 followers. The post revealed that Neuty passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, leaving his family devastated.

According to The Guardian, Neuty’s journey began on Christmas Eve 2020, when the Lacostes found him as a days-old baby on the side of a road divided by a drainage canal in their home town, the New Orleans suburb of Metairie. After rescuing him, Denny Lacoste nurtured Neuty, feeding him pet milk and potty-training him. Eventually, the family faced challenges from Louisiana’s wildlife authorities, who attempted to confiscate Neuty, citing laws regarding wild animals.

The Lacostes rallied public support, launching a Change.org petition titled “free Neuty” that garnered over 17,000 signatures. The outcry led authorities to allow Neuty to remain with the Lacostes as a pet. Neuty’s story gained traction, leading to appearances on local news and even the Tucker Carlson show on Fox News.

Throughout his life, Neuty became a local celebrity, attending schools, fairs, and markets, where he was known for his calm demeanor around children and adults alike. However, his health took a turn when he was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous tumor on 11 March. Despite undergoing radiation treatment, Neuty’s condition worsened, and he ultimately succumbed to the illness.

The Lacostes expressed their heartbreak in their announcement, reflecting on the joy and happiness Neuty brought to their lives over the past 5½ years. They emphasized that he made them laugh every single day and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.