Internet sensation Peanut the Squirrel euthanised by authorities

An internet-famous pet squirrel in New York has tragically been euthanised by authorities for one truly heartbreaking reason.

Peanut the Squirrel, of internet fame, has been euthanised after the pet was seized by US authorities in New York State earlier this week, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, commonly referred to as “P’Nut” on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, was put to death, along with Fred the raccoon, The New York Post reports.

According to a statement from the agency obtained by WETM, the act was necessary in order for the animals to be tested for the presence of rabies.

Peanut’s guardian, Mark Longo, took to Instagram to memorialise his beloved pet in a video.

“Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us,” Mr Longo said through tears, sitting beside his girlfriend.

“RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything,” Mr Longo wrote in a caption to the post announcing Peanut’s death.

A squirrel that became famous on social media has been seized in a raid, with the animal's owner afraid New York authorities will euthanise him. Picture: AP

Mr Longo also asked fans for financial help for a “legal battle” and for his non-profit P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) claims that Peanut, who was notably docile and friendly over the course of his very public facing life, bit one of the investigators on the hand while being confiscated from Mr Longo’s home on Wednesday.

“In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel,” the DEC statement read, according to WETM.

“To test for rabies, both animals were euthanised. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”

Peanut was rescued by Mr Longo, after the Connecticut native witnessed P’Nut’s mother be hit by a car.

The squirrel inspired him to move to upstate New York last year and found “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm”, an animal sanctuary and rescue operation.

On Wednesday, Peanut, and Fred the raccoon were seized by the DEC after multiple anonymous complaints about wild animals living in Mr Longo’s house.

Named Peanut, the squirrel was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after he saw its mother being hit by a car in New York City. Picture: AP

“Well internet, you WON,” Mr Longo wrote in a caption after the animals were seized.

“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.

“To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”

In a statement to The Post earlier this week, the DEC said that they were responding to complaints of a rabies vector species that was in the home.

This article originally appeared on The New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Internet sensation Peanut the Squirrel euthanised by authorities