it was an entirely indoor pet, as he had it since it was a baby. he tried releasing it, but the squirrel came back to his porch, injured, and seeking help.
in another thread someone mentioned he had it for 7 years. 7 years of being indoors, rabies was never a concern, and yet they still took him. not to mention the man runs an animal sanctuary, and is no stranger to caring for animals.
cruelty was the point.
he was trying to get a licence for the squirrel as an educational pet, due to its' unique personality, and because he was so public with it.