The owners of Peanut the Squirrel have spoken out after the pet was seized and euthanized by authorities. Mark and Daniela Longo suspect someone jealous of their success may have called the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to have the animal removed from their sanctuary.

Fans have been in an uproar since internet sensation Peanut the squirrel was seized from his owner's home and euthanized by New York officials this week, over what they say was the unfair killing of a beloved family member.