Peanut the Squirrel, once hailed on social media as an endearing pet and beloved companion, has become the center of a heated legal battle against the state of New York, igniting discussions about wildlife regulations and government overreach. Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, Peanut's owners, have filed a lawsuit stemming from the dramatic events of October 30, 2024, when New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and his companion raccoon, Fred, under the pretext of testing them for rabies.
During the raid on their home, the couple claims DEC agents executed Peanut and Fred, alleging violations of their rights and questioning the necessity of the actions taken against their pets. According to their lawsuit, neither animal exhibited any symptoms of rabies, and Longo argues, "The killing of Peanut and Fred was not due to fear of rabies, but rather, was a senseless act of violence, perpetrated by government officials in an obscene demonstration of government abuse and overreach."
Despite the DEC's justification for the swift action, stating there were health concerns surrounding the animals, Longo and Bittner believe the agents lacked evidence to substantiate their claims. They made it known through their legal filings, claiming, "The excuse to kill these animals concerning 'rabies', or any 'fear' of the threat of rabies, is unfounded, irrational, illogical, unjustified, and unavailing."
The couple filed their notice of claim, which is necessary before pursuing legal action against the state, alleging damage not only to their emotional well-being but also claiming destruction of property during the five-hour raid. They argue they were intimidated and bullied by armed agents, who threatened to investigate Bittner's immigration status during the incident, making it clear they felt violated and scared.
The DEC's narrative includes claims about one of its agents being bitten by Peanut during the raid. Longo and Bittner have firmly disputed this account, labeling it as possibly fake or exaggeration. They assert, "It is submitted...that the notion of a DEC agent being 'bitten' by Peanut may be false and/or manufactured."
Longo, who rescued Peanut seven years ago after finding him as an orphaned squirrel pup, claims he followed all necessary state regulations for animal care, operating P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, their animal sanctuary. The pandemic popularity of Peanut on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he amassed thousands of followers, revealed how loved and cared for he was, seemingly contradicting the DEC's claims about the risks involved.
The couple's demand for justice stems not only from the loss of Peanut and Fred but also from their belief in having the right to due process. They expressed their frustrations over finding out about their pets’ executions via news reports rather than being informed directly, claiming their rights as pet owners were outright disregarded.
The sentiments around this case reflect broader concerns within American policies about animal ownership, especially concerning wild animals. While keeping wild animals as pets is illegal according to New York law, the enforcement of these regulations raises questions about the balance between animal welfare and legislative actions. Advocates for responsible pet ownership argue for clearer guidelines to prevent such extreme actions from state officials. This case has caught the eyes of many animal rights advocates and pet owners across the nation, eliciting responses from those who are sympathetic to the plight of Longo and Bittner.
The emotional scars of the incident linger for Longo and Bittner as they seek damages from the state, which they have not publicly quantified, describing the total extent of their injuries as "unknown" yet continuing to accumulate. It stands as a reminder of the intersections between individual rights, state authority, and the emotional bonds shared between pets and their owners.
Peanut’s story has circulated widely, drawing media attention not just for the tragic death of the beloved pet but also for the legal, ethical, and emotional issues it raises. The lives of humans and animals are intertwined, and as this case heads toward potential court dates, it may shape policies around animals, wildlife, and government power going forward. For now, Longo and Bittner advocate for their beloved Peanut, exemplifying the fight against government action and perceived injustices done to those they loved.
While the future remains uncertain, the couple expresses no hesitation to pursue the legal route necessary to seek justice, demonstrating the lengths to which pet owners may go to defend their rights. The lawsuit serves as both accountability for the actions of the DEC and as a rallying point for those who believe actions against their pets should be well justified and humane.
