Owners of Viral Squirrel Peanut Sue New York Over Raid and Animal Deaths

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner allege constitutional violations and improper euthanasia of their squirrel and raccoon by state officials.

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, owners of the viral squirrel Peanut and raccoon Fred, have filed a notice of intent to sue New York state after the animals were seized and killed during an October 30 raid by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The couple claims the raid violated their constitutional rights, including unlawful search and seizure, denial of due process, and freedom of speech violations, as well as causing emotional distress and damage to their home.
Peanut and Fred were euthanized to test for rabies, but the owners argue that the animals showed no signs of rabies and that the state may have fabricated claims of a DEC agent being bitten during the raid.
The legal filing alleges the killings were unnecessary and inhumane, asserting that the animals were 'executed' rather than euthanized and that the raid was premeditated, with plans to euthanize the animals made days prior.
The couple is seeking damages for emotional suffering, lost income tied to Peanut's online presence, and the raid's impact on their animal sanctuary, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.