(NewsNation) — P’nut, an Instagram-famous squirrel, was seized and euthanized by New York State authorities last month.
His owner, Mark Longo, told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Tuesday he’s filing a “very big” lawsuit, demanding answers after he said state authorities left him in the dark about what happened to his beloved squirrel and raccoon, which were seized in a warrant search.
“We have murderers and rapists running the streets, and they don’t get investigations like this,” Longo said on NewsNation’s “CUOMO.” “So you used all of our taxpayers’ money and our resources to conjure up a story about a squirrel and a raccoon that was so detrimental to our society that they needed to come and kill them.”
Longo reportedly has an OnlyFans account under the name “Squirrel Daddy,” The New York Post reported. He’s insisted it’s separate from his animal rescue work.
“My life choices are none of anybody’s business. What I do in my life has nothing to do with this story,” Longo said. “This is government overreach.”
Longo started a GoFundMe to memorialize P’Nut and Fred, the raccoon who was also euthanized. The funds will be donated to P’nuts Freedom Farm, “which tirelessly rescues and provides care for vulnerable animals.”
“Their lives were a testament to the importance of compassion and kindness toward all creatures, and we are committed to honoring them by continuing this vital work,” Logo wrote. “Support will empower us to demand accountability from the DEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) and advocate for a more compassionate approach to wildlife management.”