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,

Peanut the squirrel, a pet that became a social media star, has been euthanized after New York state authorities seized it during a raid.

Peanut, who has amassed more than half a million Instagram followers, was euthanized by officials to be tested for rabies.

Wildlife rehabilitators can legally care for injured or sick squirrels, but the animals can't be pets in many states.