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

On November 1, Longo took 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 pleas, leaving us in deep shock and pain,” he said online.

In light of the news, Congressman Nick Langworthy led to unknown to express frustration with how the DEC handled the situation.

He said: “The New York State 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 have to fight just to get permits from the DEC to clean up the debris.” canals full, squirrels are being taken as pets, 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 videos on Instagram of Peanut eating treats, jumping on his clothes, and running around his house while performing various tasks throughout the day.

Misery instagram accountLed by Longo, it currently has more than 500,000 followers. In your profile there is a link to P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuaryan animal shelter named after your little furry friend.

According to the sanctuary’s official website, Longo met Peanut seven years ago when Peanut was a baby. Having lost “half of his tail in a severe attack,” Peanut was not skilled enough to live in the wild, so Longo decided to care for 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 Elvis Durán 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 running. an animal shelter in Pine City, New York, helping injured or abused animals in desperate need of care.

Why was Peanut the squirrel confiscated?

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

According to NBC News, the DEC received multiple 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 wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus.”

The DEC also notes that it is illegal to keep young animals as pets, as “they are not suitable for life in captivity. In addition, they can transmit diseases that can be transmitted to people.”

After Peanut and Fred were taken away, Longo took instagram to report people who filed complaints with DEC.

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

Why was Peanut the squirrel euthanized?

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

he says“This shows a disturbing 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 Peanut bit a person involved in the investigation.

“For rabies testing, both animals were euthanized,” they said in a joint statement. “The animals are being 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 decided instagram saying he was in “deep shock and pain.”

This article was originally published in TODAY.com