PINE CITY, N.Y. — Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, owners of the social media-famous Peanut the Squirrel, have initiated legal action against New York State following the euthanization of their pet. The couple alleges that agents from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) unlawfully seized and euthanized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred during a raid on their Pine City residence on October 30.
The DEC contends that the animals were euthanized to test for rabies after Peanut allegedly bit an agent during the operation. However, Longo and Bittner dispute this claim, suggesting the bite incident may have been fabricated to justify the animals’ deaths. They assert that both animals showed no signs of rabies and that the DEC’s actions were an overreach of government power.
The couple’s notice of claim accuses the DEC of violating their due process rights by not allowing them to contest the seizure and euthanization in court. They are seeking unspecified damages for the loss of their companion animals, emphasizing the emotional distress caused by the incident.
Peanut had garnered a substantial online following, with over 600,000 Instagram followers, and was a central figure in Longo and Bittner’s animal sanctuary, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm. The sanctuary was established to rescue and rehabilitate animals, inspired by Peanut’s story.
The DEC has not publicly commented on the pending litigation. The case has attracted significant public attention, with supporters rallying behind Longo and Bittner in their pursuit of justice for Peanut and Fred.