Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, the owners of a pet squirrel named Peanut, have filed a notice of intent to sue the State of New York following the euthanasia of their beloved animal. The couple alleges that state officials conducted an unlawful raid on their home, seizing Peanut and their pet raccoon, Fred, without proper legal grounds. They argue that the animals, classified as companion animals under the law, were not sick and should have been quarantined rather than put down.
Longo and Bittner claim their rights were violated during the incident, accusing state agents of negligence and recklessness. They state that the intention to euthanize the animals was not disclosed to a judge before the raid and that they were in the process of obtaining the necessary permits to keep the pets legally. Referring to the pets’ deaths as an “execution,” the couple plans to seek damages for emotional distress, constitutional violations, and lost wages, as Peanut’s social media presence provided supplemental income.
The raid and subsequent euthanasia have drawn widespread criticism, sparking viral posts online and calls for a government investigation into potential overreach. Prominent politicians have voiced concern, and the couple hopes the lawsuit will bring attention to what they describe as a blatant abuse of power.
