Beloved Pets Seized and Euthanized, Owners Demand Justice

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, owners of a small animal sanctuary in New York, are mourning the loss of their squirrel, P’Nut, and his raccoon companion, Fred. Both animals were removed from their property by state wildlife officials in October 2024, under claims that housing them was illegal and posed a public health risk.

Authorities justified the seizure by citing concerns over rabies after an incident where P’Nut reportedly bit an official during the raid. Both animals were euthanized soon after, despite objections from the owners and their legal representatives. Later test results showed neither animal had rabies.

The incident sparked outrage online and in the media, with many questioning the need for such extreme action. Some politicians even used the case as an example of government overreach. Since then, Longo and Bittner have filed multiple lawsuits against New York state and local agencies, seeking financial compensation and accountability for what they call the wrongful killing of their animals.

In August 2025, they filed a major claim seeking $10 million in damages. The case has attracted national attention and may influence how similar situations are handled in the future.

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