Heartbreak In Upstate Ny: Couple Sues State For $10 Million Over Pet Squirrel P’Nut’S Tragic Death - Fresh Celebrity News 2025

Tragedy Strikes: P’Nut the Squirrel’s Untimely End

Hey there, readers - brace yourselves for a story that’s equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating. Upstate New York couple Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are suing the state for a staggering $10 million after their cherished pet squirrel, P’Nut (aka Peanut), and a raccoon named Fred were taken and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This isn’t just a pet story; it’s a tale of loss, love, and a fight for justice.

According to reports from the New York Post, the couple’s home in Pine City - a quiet hamlet near Elmira - was raided by DEC and Department of Health officials on October 30, 2024. The reason? Concerns over keeping wildlife as pets without proper permits. During the seizure, P’Nut reportedly bit an agent through thick leather gloves, leading to the devastating decision to euthanize both animals for rabies testing. Spoiler: the tests came back negative, leaving the couple shattered.

This adorable squirrel wasn’t just a pet - P’Nut was a social media star, rocking tiny cowboy hats on Instagram and even making bank on platforms like OnlyFans and Cameo. For Mark and Daniela, losing P’Nut wasn’t just personal; it was a financial blow too.

A Fight for Justice: Emotional and Legal Battles

Mark and Daniela aren’t holding back in their grief or their anger. In court documents, they’ve called the euthanasia a ‘senseless act of violence’ and an ‘obscene demonstration of government abuse.’ Can you blame them? They’ve endured emotional trauma and significant financial losses after banking on P’Nut’s online fame, and now they’re fighting back with this massive lawsuit.

‘It’s still surreal to me that the state I call home targeted us, took two of the most beloved animals on this planet, and just killed them without even a quarantine,’ Mark Longo shared in a heartbreaking statement to the Associated Press in November.

Adding fuel to the fire, this $10 million lawsuit against the state is just one part of their legal battle. They’ve also filed a separate action against Chemung County, the City of Elmira, and 36 individuals across local and state government, seeking unspecified damages. Talk about taking a stand!

How It All Began: A Squirrel, a Sanctuary, and a Scandal

Let’s rewind a bit - how did we get here? The saga started with complaints about wildlife allegedly being kept illegally and unsafely at the couple’s home. In New York, you need a special permit to house animals considered wildlife, and Mark was reportedly in the process of applying for one while working to get P’Nut certified as an educational animal. But before that could happen, officials swooped in.

This isn’t just a local story - it blew up into national news and even became a political flashpoint ahead of the 2024 election. Mark, known as ‘Squirrel Daddy’ on OnlyFans, had raised P’Nut for seven years, turning their bond into the inspiration for P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. It’s a heartwarming mission now tainted by tragedy.

So, what’s next for Mark and Daniela? They’re not just mourning - they’re fighting to ensure no one else endures this kind of loss. Stick with us as this emotional case unfolds, and let us know in the comments: should pet owners have more rights when it comes to exotic animals? We’re all ears!