Man’s beloved squirrel ‘Peanut’ euthanized following New York authorities callous seizure

Peanut, a squirrel with a massive Instagram following, has been euthanized just days after being seized by New York authorities.

The Department of Environmental Conservation raided the home of Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, following concerns about the animal’s living conditions.

While Longo pleaded for Peanut’s safe return, authorities justified the euthanasia, stating the squirrel had bitten an official during the seizure.

A raccoon named Fred also seized from Longo’s home, was also euthanized – the deaths have caused outrage online.