Instagram-famous squirrel euthanised after being forcefully taken from owner

His owner said there was a 'special place in hell' for those who reported him

Peanut had achieved celebrity status on Instagram, where an account sharing pictures and videos of him had amassed more than 500,000 followers.

However, on Wednesday, the home of his owner Mark Longo was raided by the Department of Environmental Conservation following complaints of potentially unsafe housing for the animal.

Following the raid, Longo had pleaded with authorities for Peanut's return, saying in a post on Instagram that there was a "special place in hell" for those who had reported him to authorities.

But authorities later revealed they had euthanised Peanut on October 30 after he bit an official involved in his seizure.

The DEC also said it had put down a raccoon named Fred that they also seized during the raid from Longo's home.

Longo took Peanut in seven years ago when he spotted the baby squirrel next to his mother, who had been hit by a car.

He looked after the animal until he was strong enough to be released, but said the rodent returned to his porch the next day with a "chunk of his tail missing," the BBC reports.

The pair went on to achieve fame on an Instagram account devoted to Peanut, which featured videos of the animal playing out skits with Longo, who often dressed him in hats and fed him waffles.

In a post on the account paying tribute to Peanut, Longo wrote: "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. Yall [sic] we desperately need your help. Help us raise the money to fight this and help @pnuts_freedom_farm continue to help animals like peanut."

The DEC said in a statement it had launched an investigation after receiving "multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets".

Longo is now raising money to take legal action against the DEC, having set up a GoFundMe.

At the time of writing, it has raised $102,813.

The page reads: "We urgently call on all of you to stand with us in demanding accountability from the DEC and the New York State government.

"We must advocate for a more passionate approach to wildlife management to ensure that no other animals suffer such a fate. Together, we can amplify our voices and fight for the change that is desperately needed."

They accused the DEC of failing to "follow proper law enforcement procedures by neglecting to utilize body cameras when entering a property," along with subjecting the owners to "an unjust and humiliating experience."

The page continues: "Instead of treating them with the respect and dignity they deserved, the agents repeatedly questions whether there were security camera's located in their home and, inappropriately, asked on of their owners about their immigration status, treating them as if they were criminals over a beloved pet. This behaviour is not only unacceptable but also a glaring example of government overreach that must be addressed.

"We must demand that our wildlife agencies uphold proper procedures and treat all individuals with fairness and respect, regardless of the situation. The Longo's should never have been made to feel guilty for caring for Peanut and Fred. We call on each of you to join us in seeking justice and reform in how wildlife management is handled in our communities. 

"Join us in holding the DEC accountable for their actions and advocating for the reforms we desperately need."