According to BlockBeats, on August 12, after receiving an anonymous complaint, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation conducted a five-hour raid on Mark Luongo's residence and seized the internet celebrity—squirrel Peanut (nicknamed 'P'Nut') and its partner—a raccoon named Fred. The state government subsequently euthanized the two animals under the pretext of 'testing for rabies.'
DEC officials claimed that during the raid, 'P'Nut' bit through the thick leather glove worn by a law enforcement officer, necessitating the euthanasia of the squirrel and raccoon, as well as rabies testing. However, the state later admitted that both animals tested negative and never apologized or returned the pet's remains. According to court documents, the deaths of 'P'Nut' and Fred were 'not due to concerns about rabies' but rather 'an act of senseless violence' and 'a shocking display of government abuse of power.'
The lawsuit was filed on June 27 this year, adding to the complaint already brought by Longo and Bittner against the City of Elmira and 36 officials at the state and city levels in the Supreme Court of Chemung County, New York, and sought unspecified damages through a jury trial. The couple stated that they have suffered emotional trauma and financial loss since losing their star squirrel. According to the complaint, 'P'Nut' had frequently appeared on social media (including OnlyFans).