Before being confiscated, a squirrel named Peanut was earmarked for euthanasia, but was found to be rabies-free, according to a report.

The latest report confirms that Peanut the Squirrel, the internet sensation who was confiscated and killed by New York state officials, was found to be rabies-free after it was euthanized to perform the test.

In late last month, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo's home and animal sanctuary in rural Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border, after receiving complaints that wildlife was being kept illegally. Longo, who adopted Peanut seven years ago, has stated that he was working towards getting certified as an educational animal.

An official stated that a DEC worker who was investigating the squirrel was bitten, necessitating the euthanization of the animal to check for rabies. Longo refuted the claim that the worker had been bitten and maintained that the squirrels were free of rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

During a news conference, Chemung County Executive Chris Moss stated that tests on the two animals were negative. He added that the county collaborated with the state and adhered to protocols in handling the incident.

The State Department of Health informed the county on Oct. 23 that wildlife cannot be kept like domestic animals and if there was an exposure, the animals would need to be tested for rabies.

The animals' fates were sealed before the raid as rabies tests necessitate euthanasia through decapitation to access their brains.

On Oct. 29, the DEC coordinated the euthanasia of P'Nut with Elmira Animal Control, according to a New York Post report, which contradicts the agency's previous explanation that P'Nut had prompted his own euthanasia through a bite.

On Tuesday, Longo stated that the negative test results were not unexpected and criticized the government's actions.

"Given that I lived with Peanut for seven-and-a-half years and Fred for five months, it's not surprising to me that the test results are negative. I'm not overly excited about it."

He was taken aback when he saw the latest timeline of events.

The health department and DEC in New York have been contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital regarding the timeline.

Last year, Longo and his wife founded "P’Nut’s Freedom Farm," an animal sanctuary, after being inspired by a squirrel they took in. Longo shared with his followers that he had rescued the squirrel after witnessing its mother being hit by a car. Despite efforts to release the squirrel back into the wild, it remained attached to the couple.

The Instagram page featuring the squirrel has gained over 360,000 followers, showcasing the couple's playful interactions with the rodent and other animals they care for.

On Oct. 30, officials arrived at their sanctuary home and the extent of the situation left Longo in shock.

Longo stated that authorities searched "every corner and crevice" of his home.

A search warrant was obtained for a squirrel and a raccoon, which was signed off on by four departments and a judge. After obtaining the warrant, they captured and killed the animals, as stated by a visibly upset Longo.

The viral story of the shocking death of animals resulted in an online backlash.

Elon Musk wrote on Twitter that President Trump will save the squirrels, with a squirrel and a crying face emoji. He also posted an image of the rodent on the back of a smiling Longo.

Longo, with a framed drawing of the squirrel in hand, tearfully announced on an Instagram video that Peanut was the greatest thing that ever happened to them.

"Thank you for the best seven years of my life," he wrote in the caption. "I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.