New York faces $10M lawsuit over killing of P’Nut the Squirrel and raccoon Fred during state raid

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner sue New York for $10 million over killing of pets P’Nut and Fred.

The State of New York may face a $10 million payout over the killing of P’Nut the Squirrel, an internet-famous pet, and his raccoon companion, Fred. Owners Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner allege that state investigators unlawfully seized and killed the animals during an October 30, 2024 raid on their Pine City home and animal sanctuary, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in the New York Court of Claims.

The New York Post reports that officers from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH) carried out the operation, citing New York’s ban on keeping squirrels and raccoons as pets. DEC officials claimed P’Nut bit an agent through thick leather gloves during the raid, prompting both animals to be decapitated for rabies testing.

Tests later came back negative for rabies, but the couple says the state has not apologized or returned the remains. Court filings describe the killings as a “senseless act of violence” and “obscene demonstration of government abuse,” alleging the actions were unrelated to any public health risk.

Longo and Bittner say they have suffered emotional trauma and financial losses, as P’Nut had gained a substantial online following through Instagram, OnlyFans, Cameos, and other monetized content.

This lawsuit is separate from a June 27 filing in Chemung County Supreme Court, in which the couple sued the county, the City of Elmira, and 36 local and state officials, seeking damages to be determined at trial.

Both the DEC and DOH have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, the New York Post reports.