The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation staged a five-hour raid on the home of Mark Luongo after an anonymous complaint was lodged against the P'nuts Freedom Farm, where internet sensation Peanut the squirrel was taken into custody before the state euthanized it along with a raccoon 'in order to test for rabies.'

"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," Longo wrote in a post announcing Peanut's death.

Longo has asked for financial help for a "legal battle" against the state.

A Connecticut native, Longo moved to Elmira, NY in 2023 to start the Freedom Farm, a 501.C.3 approved nonprofit.

"Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT's Name. [P'Nuts Freedom Farm] will forever live in PNUT's memory," Longo wrote in a post announcing the seizure.

"With over 350 rescues, we've relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to father donations to help more animals. I don't even know how will [sic] continue to fundraise for this nonprofit."

The organization is made up of veterinarians and caregivers who rescue animals from abusive or dire situations.

Mark Longo has just revealed that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation euthanized his cherished pet squirrel, Peanut. This innocent creature was taken from him, where he had lovingly raised it since it was a baby, after its mother got hit by a car.