By fypfeed | News | 10th August 2025
New York Could Owe Peanut The State of New York faces growing legal pressure following the controversial euthanasia and seizure of Peanut the squirrel as well as Fred the Raccoon two pets that have become unwelcome social media celebrities. The owners of the animals, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, are seeking damages of $10 million in a lawsuit claiming that the government has abused their authority and a serious infringement of their legal rights.
Peanut the Squirrel Lawsuit
Peanut was much more than a normal squirrel. For over seven years Peanut had been awe-inspiring to audiences around the world by entertaining videos, comical costumes, and posts that helped build an online community with more than one million users. His popularity grew beyond Instagram into content that was monetized and even appearances on cameos and even a cameo appearance, providing Longo as well as Bittner with both emotional satisfaction and a financial source of income.
How Peanut Became a Social Media Sensation
Peanut’s journey to fame began when Longo and Bittner adopted the squirrel as an orphaned baby. Rather than releasing him into the wild, they raised him in their home, documenting his daily antics. Dressed in miniature outfits and trained for small tricks, Peanut quickly became an internet darling.
By 2020, Peanut had surpassed 900,000 Instagram followers, ranking among the most recognized exotic pets online. He was featured in viral compilations, drew sponsorship offers, and even appeared on OnlyFans and cameo platforms where fans paid for personalized content.
Supporters around the globe came to see Peanut as more than just a pet. For many, he symbolized a bond between humans and animals that transcended legal definitions of “wildlife.”
The DEC Raid and Euthanasia
The events of October 30, 2024, marked a dramatic turning point. According to Longo’s Instagram post, DEC officers arrived at his residence at 10 a.m., accompanied by health department representatives.
“They stormed into my home, took Peanut, and hours later, he was euthanized,” Longo wrote. “For seven years, he was my best friend, the center of my world. Now he’s gone, and I am left in shock and devastation.”
Officials defended the action, stating they had received complaints of unsafe housing conditions and violations of New York wildlife law. The DEC claimed Peanut had bitten one of their agents through protective gloves during the encounter, prompting mandatory rabies testing.
Yet, the subsequent results came back negative. The couple argues that the test was only a pretext for a predetermined decision to destroy their animals.
“They weren’t euthanized,” Longo said in a later statement. “They were executed.”
Legal Grounds for the $10 Million Lawsuit
Filed on August 7, 2025, the primary lawsuit accuses the State of New York, the DEC, and the Department of Health of government overreach, unnecessary violence, and emotional cruelty. The couple alleges that the seizure constituted not only the destruction of their beloved animals but also the destruction of their livelihood, which had been tied to Peanut’s online fame.
Their attorney, Nora Constance Marino, described the case as a fight for justice. “This is about more than two animals,” Marino stated. “It is about government accountability, the rights of citizens, and the treatment of all creatures under state control.”
The $10 million compensation figure is based on claims of financial loss, emotional trauma, reputational damage, and the destruction of ongoing business ventures connected to Peanut’s fame.
Fred the Raccoon’s Story
Fred, Peanut’s companion, was also seized and killed during the raid. Though less famous, Fred had a growing following and frequently appeared in Peanut’s videos. Together, the two animals formed a duo beloved by thousands of fans.
The couple maintains that neither Peanut nor Fred posed any health threat. “Raccoons and squirrels do not transmit rabies in the way the state claimed,” Longo argued. “This was not about safety. This was about power and control.”
Additional Lawsuits and Wider Battle
Beyond the $10 million claim, Longo and Bittner have filed a separate lawsuit in Chemung County Supreme Court, targeting the county, the City of Elmira, and 36 individual officials. This second case seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial, aiming to expose what the couple calls a culture of heavy-handed enforcement and disregard for citizens’ rights.
“Filing these lawsuits is about more than compensation,” Longo said. “It’s about creating a movement. We want to make sure no one else goes through what we did.”
Emotional Toll on the Owners
In multiple interviews, Longo has described the overwhelming grief he and Bittner have endured since Peanut’s death. “They destroyed my family,” he said. “I cry almost every day knowing that chapter of my life is gone forever.”
The couple’s online community has also reacted with sorrow and anger. Hashtags like #JusticeForPeanut and #RememberFred trended briefly after the news broke, with supporters demanding reforms in how New York enforces its wildlife laws.
Broader Debate Over Wildlife Laws
The tragedy has reignited debate over the ethics of keeping wild animals as pets. New York strictly prohibits ownership of species such as squirrels and raccoons, citing public safety and animal welfare. Yet, advocates argue that cases like Peanut’s highlight the need for more nuanced laws that consider individual circumstances.
Critics accuse the DEC of acting with unnecessary aggression. Supporters of the agency counter that public health must remain the priority, especially when dealing with potential rabies carriers.
What Comes Next
The lawsuit is expected to move forward in the coming months, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. If the couple succeeds, New York could be forced to pay one of the largest compensation sums ever linked to the seizure of a pet.
Attorney Marino expressed hope that the outcome will honor Peanut and Fred’s memory. “We hope their deaths will not have been in vain,” she said. “Their story is now part of a larger fight for justice, compassion, and accountability.”
For Longo and Bittner, however, no financial compensation can replace what they lost. “Peanut wasn’t just a squirrel,” Longo said quietly during a recent interview. “He was my best friend. And now, because of this, he’s gone forever.”
