A woman in China, Ms. Liu from Shanghai, has decided to leave her $2.8 million fortune to her cats and dogs instead of her adult children. She cited their lack of visits during her old age as the reason for this choice, stating that her pets provided her with companionship and comfort. However, due to legal constraints in China that prohibit direct bequests to animals, the inheritance is now under the administration of a local veterinary clinic.
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Ms. Liu expressed her desire to leave her entire estate to her pets, but unfortunately, this is not legally permissible in the country. She was reportedly angry with her children for not visiting her, even when sick. The exact age of Ms. Liu remains unclear, as news reports only refer to her as an “elderly” woman.
Chen Kai, an official from the Will Registration Centre headquarters in Beijing, explained that there are alternatives to address this issue. He suggested that Ms. Liu could have appointed a trusted person to supervise the veterinary clinic to ensure proper care for her pets. The agency also alerted Ms. Liu to the risks of entrusting all her money to the veterinary clinic, emphasizing that she could change her will if her children changed their attitude, as reported by NDTV.
“Liu’s current will is one way, and we would have advised her to appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for,”
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The story has sparked online discussions about family dynamics and inheritance practices in China. Some users expressed sympathy for Ms. Liu, understanding the disappointment and heartbreak that led her to decide not to leave anything to her children. Others applauded her choice, stating that they would do the same if they were treated poorly by their children in the future.
However, this is not the first time someone has left their inheritance to their beloved pets. Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld’s death in 2019 sparked intrigue beyond the world of haute couture, fueled by the revelation that his beloved Birman cat, Choupette, was named an heir. While the exact amount of Choupette’s inheritance remains unclear, reports estimate it could be as high as $1.5 million. This unconventional decision sparked discussions about pet inheritance and Lagerfeld’s unique bond with his feline companion. Some saw it as a testament to his deep affection for Choupette, while others questioned the ethics of bequeathing significant wealth to an animal. Regardless of perspective, the story continues to fascinate, highlighting pets’ complex role in our lives and the emotional weight attached to inheritance decisions.
