Peanut the Squirrel’s Owners Seek $10M Over Death of ‘Irreplaceable’ Animal

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are suing New York State for $10 million, alleging constitutional violations and wrongful killing of their pet squirrel, P’Nut, and raccoon, Fred, which were seized and euthanized by state officials in October 2024. The lawsuit claims the animals were companion pets, not “wild animals” under the law, and that their deaths—later confirmed unrelated to rabies—were an act of government overreach. The couple says the raid, arrests, and seizure exceeded legal authority, causing emotional distress and reputational harm. The case could set precedent for how wildlife laws apply to domesticated exotic animals.