The owners of Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the raccoon have filed a lawsuit after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized and euthanized their pets in October 2024. Peanut, an internationally famous pet with over 900,000 Instagram followers, was known for wearing outfits and performing tricks, cared for by Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner.
The DEC raided their home following reports of illegal keeping of wildlife and potential rabies risk. During the five-hour raid, Peanut bit an officer through thick gloves, prompting rabies tests for both animals, which were negative. Despite this, both Peanut and Fred were euthanized. The owners claim the state has not apologized or returned the animals’ bodies.
Longo and Bittner argue that the killings were a senseless act of government abuse, not justified by health concerns, as squirrels rarely…
The Unfortunate Fate of Peanut and Fred: A Tale of Two Pets and a State Agency
The internet went silent when news broke of the tragic demise of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. These weren’t just ordinary pets; they were beloved members of a family, and Peanut, in particular, enjoyed international fame, boasting a staggering 900,000 Instagram followers who adored his charming outfits and impressive tricks. Their owners, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, are now locked in a bitter legal battle with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a fight born out of heartbreak and accusations of excessive force.
A Five-Hour Raid and a Fatal Bite
The story begins with a raid, a five-hour intrusion into Longo and Bittner’s home by the DEC in October 2024. The official reason? Allegations of illegal wildlife possession and a potential rabies threat. During the intense operation, Peanut, understandably stressed by the situation, bit a DEC officer through heavy protective gloves. This incident triggered mandatory rabies tests for both Peanut and Fred – tests which, crucially, returned negative results.
A Negative Test, a Devastating Outcome
Despite the negative rabies tests, both Peanut and Fred were euthanized. This decision has left Longo and Bittner reeling, their grief compounded by the perceived injustice of the situation. They claim the state has offered no apology, nor have they been granted the opportunity to give their beloved companions a proper burial, the return of their bodies denied.
Legal Action and the Question of Justification
Now, Longo and Bittner are pursuing legal action, arguing that the DEC’s actions constituted an egregious abuse of power. Their core contention is that the euthanasia was unwarranted, a senseless act fueled by an overzealous response rather than a genuine public health concern. They point to the rarity of rabies in squirrels as evidence that the state’s response was disproportionate and ultimately tragic. The lawsuit challenges the legitimacy of the seizure and the subsequent decision to end the lives of Peanut and Fred.
Beyond the Legal Battle: A Loss Felt Worldwide
The case goes beyond a simple legal dispute; it touches on the emotional bonds between humans and animals, the complexities of wildlife regulations, and the accountability of government agencies. Peanut’s substantial online presence means this story has resonated with a vast global audience, many of whom have witnessed Peanut’s playful antics through countless online videos and photos. Their loss is felt by hundreds of thousands of people who shared their love for these unique animals. The outcome of this lawsuit will not only impact Longo and Bittner but also set a precedent for future interactions between pet owners and wildlife agencies, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to animal welfare and conservation.