Chemung County officials Tuesday responded to a claim the county Health Department ordered internet sensation Peanut the Squirrel to be euthanized.

The union representing New York environmental officers defended the decision to remove Peanut the Squirrel and a raccoon from a Pine City home, as misinformation about the incident has led to threats of violence against staff.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says it is investigating the seizure of Peanut the squirrel, who was later euthanized, from an upstate home.

Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

The seizure and euthanasia of a pet squirrel and raccoon in New York have sparked a massive backlash against the state's conservation agency.

Image via Instagram Days after the euthanization of Peanut the Squirrel, its owner is saying Department of Environmental Conservation officials won't release the test results. Officials euthanized both Peanut and Fred the Raccoon after taking them from Mark Longo's home.

The union that represents New York State's Environmental Conservation Officers is speaking out Friday, calling for a "calm" in the wake of the controversy.