The State of New York could end up forking out $10 million after Peanut the Squirrel was seized and euthanized.
The unusual pet became a social media sensation more than seven years ago, amassing more than 900,000 followers on Instagram at the peak of his stardom.
Peanut's international fame all started when his owners, married couple Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, dressed him up in outfits and taught him quirky tricks.
However, Peanut and his buddy 'Fred the raccoon' met their demise when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the pair and euthanized them both in October 2024.
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Longo made the announcement on Instagram, writing: "Well internet, you WON.
"You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.
"Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. I'm in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to PNUT.
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"For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally."
Meanwhile, the county's health department and the DEC said in a statement at the time that they had received reports about 'potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets', as per USA Today.
Now, the grieving owners are seeking a hefty $10 million settlement for the state's 'execution' of their beloved pets which has caused distress and a loss of earnings, according to a legal complaint filed on Thursday (August 7), as per the New York Post.
While it is illegal to keep wild animals - including squirrels and raccoons - as pets in New York, DEC officials claimed Peanut bit an agent through thick leather gloves in the alleged five-hour raid, which led to both pets being tested for rabies.
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The state confirmed the rabies tests were both negative, however, the lawsuit claims the DEC has not apologized nor returned the bodies of the animals.
The court documents allege the killing of the pets was not 'due to a fear of rabies' but a 'senseless act of violence' and 'obscene demonstration of government abuse', and lists the state, the DEC and DOH as defendants.
Longo further claims that the killing was a premeditated 'target' and 'assassination' since squirrels 'do not transmit rabies'.
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He claimed that nine officers swarmed his home at the time of the raid and spent five hours 'ransacking it' while Peanut and Fred were not simply euthanized but 'executed'.
It comes as Longo and Bittner filed a separate lawsuit on June 27 in Chemung County Supreme Court, against the county, the City of Elmira and 36 people from every level of local and state government which sought unspecified damages through a jury trial.
"Filing these lawsuits will allow us to create a movement," Longo told USA TODAY. "This was a heinous act by an overpowering government who overreached."
"As an animal lover, you love your animal, and you do whatever it takes to protect them," he continued.
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"They destroyed my family. I cry almost every day knowing that that portion of my life and that chapter is closed."
Nora Constance Marino, the attorney representing Longo and Bittner, added: "We hope to obtain justice, not just for my clients and the violation of their rights, but for Peanut and Fred, and all animals. We hope that Peanut's and Fred's deaths will not have been in vain."
The couple further claim they have experienced emotional trauma from the deaths of Peanut and Fred plus financial losses.
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The worldwide star rodent had appeared in monetized social media posts, OnlyFans content and in cameos among others, according to the lawsuits.
UNILAD has contacted the DEC and DOH for comment.
Topics: New York, Social Media, Animals, Health
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