A social media sensation and his raccoon companion met a tragic end at the hands of state authorities.
According to Fox News, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are taking legal action against New York state following the seizure and euthanasia of their beloved pets, Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, from their Pine City animal sanctuary.
The couple has filed a notice of claim against the state, citing multiple violations, including invasion of privacy and trespass.
Their legal challenge stems from an October 30 raid by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at their upstate New York home, which resulted in the controversial euthanasia of both animals.
The DEC's decision to euthanize the animals for rabies testing has been strongly contested by the owners' legal team. Attorney Nora Constance Marino, representing the couple, has raised serious concerns about potential constitutional violations during the raid.
The legal filing challenges the necessity of the animals' deaths, particularly questioning the state's claim that an agent was bitten during the operation.
The couple's attorney, Nora Constance Marino, provided a detailed statement about the constitutional implications of the case:
It appears as though there were multiple constitutional law violations here -- or at the very least, there are many questions as to why the government chose the actions that they chose. Entering someone's house and searching it is such an extreme violation of that person's right to privacy, and that's why we have a Fourth Amendment, to protect us from unreasonable searches and seizures.
The legal documents assert that the DEC's actions were excessive and potentially based on fabricated evidence. The claim specifically disputes the legitimacy of the alleged bite incident, suggesting it may have been manufactured to justify the animals' euthanasia.
Peanut's story has touched thousands of hearts across social media platforms, with his Instagram account amassing more than 915,000 followers. The squirrel's journey began when Longo witnessed its mother being struck by a car, leading to his rescue and eventual adoption by the couple.
The incident has had far-reaching consequences for P'Nut's Freedom Farm, the animal sanctuary established by Longo and Bittner in 2023. The sanctuary, inspired by Peanut himself, represented more than just a home for rescued animals; it became a symbol of compassionate animal care and rehabilitation.
Speaking to media outlets, Longo expressed the devastating impact of the raid on his family. He described the overwhelming force used during the operation, comparing it to a drug raid, with 10 to 12 DEC officers present during the five-hour ordeal.
The legal battle between Peanut's owners and New York state authorities highlights complex issues surrounding wildlife rehabilitation and government oversight. Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner's notice of claim challenges not only the specific actions taken during the October raid but also questions broader protocols regarding the handling of rescued wildlife.
The case has garnered significant attention, particularly due to Peanut's substantial social media following and the circumstances surrounding his death. While the DEC has declined to comment on the pending litigation, the outcome of this case could influence future interactions between wildlife rehabilitators and state authorities.
