The local sheriff’s office distanced itself Monday from the killing of an Internet-famous squirrel that has prompted furious online backlash and even bomb threats.

On October 30, the Department of Environmental Conservation raided Longo’s house, where he lives with his wife Daniela, to seize Peanut and Fred, his rescued raccoon. According to the agency, they had received several complaints about illegally keeping animals in an unsafe environment. Both animals were subsequently euthanized.