Couple Sues New York For $10 Million After Beloved Pet Squirrel Is Killed

According to Geoff Herbert of Syracuse.com, an Upstate New York couple is taking legal action against the state after the death of their cherished pet squirrel, P’Nut.

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner filed a $10 million lawsuit following the October 2024 seizure and euthanasia of P’Nut and a pet raccoon named Fred by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health.

The animals were taken from the couple’s Pine City home after officials alleged they were keeping wildlife without proper permits.

The DEC claims P’Nut bit an officer through thick gloves during the raid, triggering a mandatory rabies test. Both animals were killed and tested—results came back negative.

Longo and Bittner have described the act as a “senseless” and “obscene” abuse of power, noting the emotional trauma and financial loss, as P’Nut was a social media star featured on Instagram, OnlyFans, and Cameo.

P’Nut, known for his tiny cowboy hat and playful antics, had lived with the couple for seven years and inspired them to start P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. Longo, dubbed “Squirrel Daddy” online, insists he was in the process of securing a special permit and certifying P’Nut as an educational animal.

This case underscores a growing debate over wildlife ownership laws, Animal rights, and how far authorities should go in enforcing regulations.

While laws aim to protect public safety and wild species, critics argue that rigid enforcement can sometimes lead to unnecessary harm—especially to long-domesticated animals who pose little risk.

Stories like P’Nut’s are reminders that our relationship with animals should be rooted in compassion, not bureaucracy.

Supporting wildlife sanctuaries, advocating for humane laws, and choosing plant-based lifestyles can help ensure animals live free from cruelty.

This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 19 August 2025. Lead Image Credit: mark higgins/Shutterstock.