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

Peanut's owner Mark Longo told NewsNation host Chris Cuomo that he is "appalled" that New York uses resources to kill a raccoon and squirrel.

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