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Squirrel Showdown: Peanut’s Tragic Tale Sparks Lawsuit Against New York State

LawInc Staff

2 min read

The viral internet sensation Peanut the Squirrel has become the center of a groundbreaking legal battle between his owners and New York state authorities, following his controversial euthanization on October 30, 2024.

Key Lawsuit Details	Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner have filed a notice of claim against New York state, alleging: Violation of constitutional rights Invasion of privacy Illegal seizure and killing of their pets Potential fabrication of evidence regarding a bite incident
The Incident	On October 30, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC): Raided Longo’s animal sanctuary in Pine City Seized Peanut (a squirrel) and Fred (a raccoon) Euthanized both animals allegedly for rabies testing
Background of Peanut	Peanut’s social media presence: Over 915,000 Instagram followers Rescued by Longo seven years ago after his mother was killed in a car accident Became a cornerstone of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm animal sanctuary
Legal Arguments	Owner’s perspective: Claim the euthanization was unnecessary and illegal Argue there was no legitimate rabies risk Allege potential fabrication of the bite incident Attorney’s statement: Nora Constance Marino highlighted potential constitutional violations, emphasizing: Extreme invasion of privacy Unreasonable search and seizure Disproportionate government action
Broader Implications	The lawsuit raises critical questions about: Wildlife ownership regulations Government’s authority in animal seizure Rights of animal sanctuary operators
Unexpected Twist: Cryptocurrency Controversy	An additional layer of complexity emerged with the creation of a PNUT memecoin, which Longo has criticized for profiting from his personal tragedy.
Current Status	The case is pending, with the DEC declining to comment on ongoing litigation. The lawsuit seeks to challenge what the owners describe as an “abuse of government power” and seek justice for Peanut and Fred.

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