In China, an older woman has decided to leave her $2.8 million fortune to her cats and dogs rather than her adult children, citing their lack of visits during her old age. Identified as Ms Liu from Shanghai, she changed her will because she felt neglected by her adult children, while her pets provided her with 'companionship and comfort'.
The inheritance is now under the administration of a local veterinary clinic due to legal constraints that prohibit direct bequests to animals in China. Ms Liu expressed a desire to leave her entire estate to her pets, but this is not legally permissible in the country. Additionally, she was reportedly angry with her children for not visiting her, even when she was sick.
Allegedly, the story has ignited online discussions about family dynamics and inheritance practices in China. "How disappointed and heartbroken she must have been to make the decision not to leave anything to her children," one user wrote. "Well done. If my daughter treats me poorly in the future, I will also leave my house to others," another said.
Meanwhile, this is not the first-time pets have been the beneficiary of a generous inheritance. In 2020, a wealthy businessman in Tennessee left $US5 million to his eight-year-old border collie, Lulu.