The owner of viral animals Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon has filed a 40-page lawsuit, alleging the state may have unlawfully seized and euthanized them, according to WENY. Mark Longo says newly uncovered documents show he and his wife were likely licensed to care for the animals before their October removal.
The state euthanized both within 24 hours for rabies testing, but Longo now questions why their rehabilitation applications—dated and stamped August 2024—were not honored. He’s planning additional lawsuits against nearly 40 individuals and state agencies.
Longo hopes the case drives reform in animal rights and rehabilitation laws across New York.
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