Internet-famous Peanut the squirrel was euthanized after NY wildlife officials seized him from his owner’s home, sparking widespread outrage and forcing state offices to close amid bomb threats. Learn what led to the viral pet’s controversial death.

Mark and Daniela Longo are devastated after their viral pets, Peanut the Squirrel and raccoon Fred, were seized and euthanized by New York's DEC amid controversy.

Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

Facebook post said, featuring a statement attributed to former President Donald Trump on what looks like a campaign press release. "New York authorities, under their terrible Governor, put more effort into finding an eliminating a squirrel,

Republican lawmakers have condemned the decision by state officials to kill the squirrel as unnaceptable government overreach.

Mark Longo, owner of the martyred squirrel Peanut, spoke with Chris Cuomo about the oversteps of the state. "This was somebody out to get me," he said. "We moved to a small town to start a nonprofit animal rescue called Peanut's Freedom Farm.

Two animals, Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, were euthanized after being confiscated from a New York home by officials last week.

Image via Instagram The death of Peanut the Squirrel occurred at an odd time in America — right before the presidential election. As a result, several conservative figures have latched onto the animal's euthanization as proof of government oversight.