PINE CITY, N.Y.—After their pet was put to death, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, the owners of the social media sensation Peanut the Squirrel, have filed a lawsuit against New York State. The couple claims that during a raid on their Pine City home on October 30, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) agents illegally took Peanut and a raccoon called Fred and put them to death.
According to the DEC, Peanut bit an agent during the rabies test, which led to the animals’ euthanasia. Longo and Bittner, however, contest this assertion, speculating that the bite incident might have been staged to excuse the animals’ deaths. They contend that the DEC’s actions were an abuse of government authority and that neither animal displayed any symptoms of rabies.
In their notice of claim, the pair alleges that the DEC violated their right to due process by denying them the opportunity to challenge the seizure and euthanasia in court. They emphasize the mental suffering brought on by the occurrence and are requesting undisclosed damages for the loss of their pet animals.
With over 600,000 Instagram followers, Peanut has amassed a sizable online following. He also played a key role in P Nut’s Freedom Farm, Longo and Bittner’s animal refuge. Inspired by Peanut’s experience, the sanctuary was founded with the goal of rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Regarding the ongoing dispute, the DEC has refrained from making any public remarks. Supporters have gathered behind Longo and Bittner in their fight for justice for Peanut and Fred, as the issue has garnered a lot of public attention.
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