Owners Sue New York for $10 Million Over Heartbreaking Euthanasia of Beloved Pet Squirrel Peanut and Raccoon Fred

In a story that has captured hearts and sparked outrage across the globe, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, a couple from Pine City, New York, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against New York State on August 10, 2025. The suit alleges wrongful seizure and euthanasia of their cherished pet squirrel, Peanut, and a raccoon named Fred, following a raid on their home in October 2024. This emotional saga, blending love, loss, and a fight for justice, has ignited debates about government overreach, animal rights, and the bond between humans and their unconventional pets. Here’s the full story, crafted exclusively for NRIGlobe.com readers, with a gripping narrative that dives into the heart of this viral controversy.

A Squirrel Named Peanut: From Rescue to Social Media Stardom

Seven years ago, Mark Longo stumbled upon a tiny, injured squirrel with half its tail missing from an attack. Naming the critter Peanut, Longo nursed it back to health, unaware that this furry friend would become an internet sensation. Peanut’s playful antics—jumping through hula hoops, munching on waffles, and cuddling with Longo—were captured in hundreds of videos shared on Instagram under the handle @peanut_the_squirrel12. With over 500,000 followers, Peanut wasn’t just a pet; he was a global phenomenon, bringing joy to millions and generating income through sponsored content and merchandise.

Alongside Peanut lived Fred, a raccoon Longo and Bittner had cared for over five months. The duo’s home in Pine City, a quiet town near Buffalo, became a sanctuary for these animals, with Longo insisting they were domesticated, well-cared-for, and posed no threat. “Peanut lived his best life,” Longo wrote on Instagram, a sentiment echoed by fans who adored the squirrel’s quirky charm.

The Raid: A Shocking Turn of Events

On October 30, 2024, the couple’s idyllic life was shattered when New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) executed a search warrant on their home. Acting on multiple anonymous complaints about Peanut, officials seized both the squirrel and Fred, citing New York’s strict laws prohibiting the possession of wild animals without a license. In New York, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators can legally keep domesticated wild animals like squirrels or raccoons, a regulation rooted in concerns over rabies and public safety.

The raid wasn’t without incident. During the seizure, Peanut reportedly bit a worker, prompting the DEC to euthanize both animals to test for rabies—a decision that would fuel public outrage. Longo and Bittner were devastated, insisting they were in the process of obtaining the necessary permits and had sought guidance from the DEC. “We were ready to comply, we needed a little bit of guidance,” Longo told CBS, his voice heavy with frustration.

The Heartbreak: Negative Rabies Tests and Public Outcry

On November 12, 2024, Chemung County Executive Chris Moss delivered the gut-wrenching news: tests confirmed that neither Peanut nor Fred had rabies. “It’s no real big shocker to me,” Longo said, “I lived with Peanut for seven-and-a-half years and Fred for five months. I’m not foaming at the mouth.” The negative results intensified the couple’s grief and fueled accusations of government overreach.

Social media erupted with anger. Nearly 60,000 people signed a Change.org petition demanding “justice for Peanut” and reforms to the DEC’s policies. Posts on X called the euthanasia an “unnecessary tragedy,” with users decrying the state’s heavy-handed approach. “This squirrel wasn’t hurting anyone,” Longo posted on Instagram. “There are squirrels outside our lawns every day, and people feed them peanuts. Why target Peanut?” A GoFundMe campaign for the couple raised over $160,000, reflecting the public’s sympathy and support.

The Lawsuit: A $10 Million Fight for Justice

On August 10, 2025, Longo and Bittner took their fight to court, filing a $10 million lawsuit against New York State. The suit accuses the DEC of wrongful seizure, illegal and improper killing of their pets, and causing severe emotional trauma. It also seeks compensation for lost income, as Peanut’s social media fame was a significant revenue source for the couple. The lawsuit claims the raid was an abuse of power, arguing that the DEC failed to provide clear guidance or an opportunity to comply with licensing requirements before taking drastic action.

The couple’s attorney described the case as a battle against “government overreach,” emphasizing the emotional toll of losing Peanut and Fred. “These weren’t just animals; they were family,” the attorney stated, highlighting the deep bond Longo and Bittner shared with their pets. The lawsuit also points to the DEC’s ongoing review of its policies, suggesting the agency itself recognizes flaws in its response.

The Bigger Picture: Animal Rights and Legal Loopholes

The case has spotlighted New York’s stringent wildlife laws, which ban keeping raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and other native species as pets without a license. The New York State Department of Health classifies these animals as rabies vector species, prohibiting their possession to protect public health. Yet, Longo’s supporters argue that Peanut and Fred, raised in a controlled environment, posed no risk, especially given the negative rabies tests.

This tragedy has also reignited discussions about compensating pet owners for wrongful animal deaths. Proposed legislation in New York, dating back two decades, would allow legal damages for the “wrongful injury or death of a companion animal,” though it excludes veterinarians. The Peanut case could push this bill forward, giving pet owners stronger legal recourse.

A Community Mourns and a Legacy Endures

Peanut’s story is one of love, loss, and resilience. For Longo and Bittner, the squirrel was more than a pet—he was a symbol of hope, a rescued creature who brought joy to millions. The couple’s fight for justice resonates with pet lovers worldwide, many of whom see parallels in their own bonds with animals. “This is what’s wrong with the world,” Longo wrote on social media. “We have so many humans and animals that need help, and the government spends money euthanizing a nice squirrel.”

As the lawsuit moves forward, the DEC faces scrutiny over its handling of the case. The agency has promised to review its policies, but for Longo, Bittner, and Peanut’s fans, the damage is done. The couple vows to honor Peanut and Fred’s memory by advocating for change, ensuring no other pet owner endures such heartbreak.

Conclusion: A Call for Compassion and Accountability

The $10 million lawsuit filed by Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner is more than a legal battle—it’s a cry for compassion and accountability. Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon may be gone, but their story has sparked a movement, challenging how we view pets, wildlife, and the role of government in our lives. As the case unfolds, NRIGlobe.com will keep you updated on every development in this heart-wrenching saga.

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Keywords: Peanut the squirrel lawsuit, New York pet euthanasia 2025, Mark Longo Daniela Bittner, wrongful seizure animals, Pine City squirrel case, emotional trauma pets, New York DEC overreach.