Mark Longo, the owner of Instagram-famous squirrel Peanut, is mourning the loss of his beloved pet.

On November 1, Longo traveled to Instagram to reveal that Peanut had been euthanized, along with his pet raccoon named Fred, by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Despite our passionate cry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our calls, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” he said online.

In light of current events, MP Nick Langworthy taken to X to express frustration with how the DEC handled the situation.

He said: “The New York DEC needs a serious reality check on its ridiculously misguided priorities. Instead of focusing on critical needs like flood mitigation in places like Steuben County, where local officials must struggle simply to obtain permits from the DEC to clean up debris. waterways filled, they are snatching pet squirrels. New York taxpayers deserve better.

Read on to find out what happened to Peanut the squirrel and why he was euthanized.

Who is Peanut the Squirrel?

Peanut the Squirrel is an internet sensation. He is the beloved pet of digital creator Mark Longo, who occasionally shared Instagram videos of Peanut eating treats, jumping on his clothes, and rushing around his house while performing various tasks throughout the day.

Peanut Instagram accountled by Longo, currently has over 500,000 subscribers. On his profile there is a link to P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuaryan animal shelter named after her little four-legged friend.

According to the sanctuary’s official website, Longo met Peanut seven years ago, when Peanut was a baby. Having lost “half his tail in a serious attack”, Peanut was not good enough to live in the wild, so Longo decided to take care of the squirrel at home.

Who owns Peanut the Squirrel?

Content creator Mark Longo is the owner of Peanut the Squirrel. In an interview he did on Elvis Duran and the Morning ShowLongo explained that he is also an engineer and works in construction.

One of his passions is taking care of animals while he runs an animal shelter in Pine City, New York, which helps injured or abused animals in desperate need of care.

Why was Peanut the Squirrel confiscated?

On Wednesday, October 30, Peanut the squirrel and Longo’s other pet, a raccoon named Fred, were seized from his home by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

According to NBC News, the DEC received several anonymous complaints about Peanut and showed up at Longo’s home with “at least six officers” to take Peanut and Fred away.

In a joint statement, the DEC and the Chemung County Health Department say they are “coordinating to ensure public health protection related to the illegal possession of wildlife that may carry the virus rage “.

The DEC also note that it is illegal to keep young wild animals as pets because they “are not well adapted to life in captivity. Additionally, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.”

After Peanut and Fred were taken away, Longo took Instagram question people who have filed complaints with the DEC.

“Well, Internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he said online. “To the group of people who called DEC, there is a special place for you in hell.”

Why was Peanut the squirrel euthanized?

Peanut and Fred were both euthanized, and Longo said the DEC informed the media of the animals’ deaths before his nonprofit, P’nuts Freedom Farm.

He says“This demonstrates a worrying lack of respect and empathy. Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence.”

According to the DEC and the Chemung County Health Department, Fred and Peanut were euthanized after someone involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut.

“To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” they said in a joint statement. “Animals are tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their doctor.”

After learning of Peanut and Fred’s deaths, Longo took Instagram saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened”.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com