Reason NY could owe Peanut the Squirrel owners $10,000,000 after pet was seized and euthanized by state

The State of New York could end up forking out $10 million after Peanut the Squirrel was seized and euthanized.

The unusual pet became a social media sensation more than seven years ago, amassing more than 900,000 followers on Instagram at the peak of his stardom.

Peanut’s international fame all started when his owners, married couple Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, dressed him up in outfits and taught him quirky tricks.

However, Peanut and his buddy ‘Fred the raccoon’ met their demise when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the pair and euthanized them both in October 2024.

Longo made the announcement on Instagram, writing: “Well internet, you WON.

“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.

Peanut was euthanized by the state in October (Instagram/@peanut_the_squirrel12)

“Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. I’m in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to PNUT.

“For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally.”

Meanwhile, the county’s health department and the DEC said in a statement at the time that they had received reports about ‘potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets’, as per USA Today.

Now, the grieving owners are seeking a hefty $10 million settlement for the state’s ‘execution’ of their beloved pets which has caused distress and a loss of earnings, according to a legal complaint filed on Thursday (August 7), as per the New York Post.

While it is illegal to keep wild animals – including squirrels and raccoons – as pets in New York, DEC officials claimed Peanut bit an agent through thick leather gloves in the alleged five-hour raid, which led to both pets being tested for rabies.

The state confirmed the rabies tests were both negative, however, the lawsuit claims the DEC has not apologized nor returned the bodies of the animals.