What was supposed to be a routine day at a Pine City animal sanctuary ended with the bloody deaths of two pet animals -- and now the State of New York might be on the hook for $10 million in damages.

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner have filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit following the October 2024 state-led raid that resulted in the controversial seizure and killing of their widely known pet squirrel, P’Nut, and a raccoon named Fred, as the New York Post reports.

According to court documents, Longo and Bittner filed the $10 million claim last week in the New York Court of Claims, alleging that state authorities unjustifiably entered their home and executed the two animals during a raid on their private wildlife sanctuary. The incident occurred on Oct. 30, 2024, when agents from both the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health arrived unannounced.

The couple claims P’Nut and Fred were more than just pets -- they were family members who also played central roles in their online business and social media presence. The squirrel, they say, had become a recognizable online figure with earnings from Cameo appearances, a dedicated OnlyFans page, and social media partnerships that brought them a steady stream of income.

Authorities killed pets over unverified rabies concern

Investigators removed both animals from the couple’s home during the raid. According to legal documents accompanying the lawsuit, state officials cited a bite reportedly inflicted by P’Nut on one of the agents -- despite the agent wearing thick leather gloves—as justification for euthanizing and decapitating both animals to test for rabies.

The results of those tests came back negative, yet no apology has been issued by the agencies involved. The state has also not returned the remains of either animal to the grieving owners, adding a layer of anguish to what the plaintiffs describe as an unnecessary and violent act.

In response, Longo and Bittner’s lawsuit states that the raid was not prompted by legitimate public health concerns but executed as an act of "government abuse." Their filing claims that the execution of their pets amounted to a “senseless act of violence” that inflicted emotional, psychological, and financial harm.

Legal battle extends to courts, agencies

This is not the couple’s first legal move. In June 2025, Longo and Bittner filed a separate lawsuit in Chemung County Supreme Court. That complaint names 36 individuals as defendants, including officials from the City of Elmira and Chemung County, among others, at both local and state levels.

While that case seeks damages to be determined by a jury, the suit filed in the Court of Claims specifies a $10 million figure, as required by rules governing that court. Both lawsuits stem from the same Oct. 30 incident and aim to hold public officials accountable through different judicial channels.

Neither the Department of Environmental Conservation nor the Department of Health has commented on the cases. Their silence comes amid increasing media attention and social media outrage over the deaths of P’Nut and Fred.

Enforcement consistency in question

Though popular with online audiences, P’Nut and Fred were technically illegal pets under New York state law. The DEC classifies animals like squirrels and raccoons as wild, making it unlawful to possess them without specific licenses or authorizations, which Longo and Bittner did not have.

Despite this, the couple argues that enforcement of such laws should be carried out with due care and humane treatment. They maintain that the severity of force used -- specifically the decapitations -- was excessive and unwarranted given the negative rabies test results.

Legal analysts suggest that while the law is clear on ownership restrictions, the manner of enforcement could form the basis of the case, especially if a jury is able to determine that emotional distress or financial harm was improperly inflicted.

Lessons to learn

1. Know the legality of exotic pets: Even if an animal feels like part of the family, it’s crucial to understand your state’s regulations. New York prohibits ownership of certain wildlife, including squirrels and raccoons, which can trigger legal consequences like seizures or fines.

2. Document interactions with authorities: In cases of disputes or raids, keeping video recordings or written documentation can be important for future legal action. Public officials are accountable, and preserving evidence can safeguard your rights.

3. Prepare emotionally and financially: The sudden loss of pets, especially those tied to emotional bonds and income streams, can be devastating. While we can never fully protect ourselves from tragedy, diversifying income sources and having support networks can help manage fallout.

These lessons shouldn’t be regarded as preventative guarantees. No matter how prepared you are, anyone can become the victim of government overreach or unforeseen loss. Blame should rest only on those who abuse power -- not those who suffer from it.

Why this story matters

The horrifying fate of P’Nut and Fred has ignited conversations around animal rights, government authority, and the extent to which legal enforcement should push into the personal. For residents of New York and beyond, the case challenges the limits of how laws should be applied when life and livelihood are on the line.

This story matters because it intersects animal welfare, civil rights, and digital livelihoods in a way rarely seen. As more people integrate animals into their personal and economic lives, how the law adapts -- or fails to -- has wide-reaching implications.