In a surprising turn of events, a woman from Shanghai, identified as Ms Liu, has made headlines by bequeathing her $2.8 million fortune to her pets, citing their unwavering companionship in her twilight years. The decision to exclude her three children from the inheritance stemmed from their alleged neglect during her illness.
Initially intending to leave her wealth to her offspring, Ms Liu altered her will due to the apparent absence of care and visits from her children. The updated will specifies that all funds are to be devoted to the well-being of her pets and any potential offspring, with a local veterinary clinic appointed as the caretaker of both her fortune and furry companions.
Chinese law, however, prohibits direct inheritance to animals, prompting Ms Liu to establish a unique arrangement. Chen Kai, an official from the Will Registration Centre in Beijing, explained that while allocating funds to the vet clinic is unconventional, it offers a practical solution to ensure the proper care of the pets.
Despite Ms Liu's firm decision, officials cautioned her about the potential risks associated with entrusting her entire estate to the vet clinic. Advising flexibility, they suggested that she could revisit her will should her children alter their behavior and reconnect with her.
The story has ignited a heated debate online in China, prompting discussions on family dynamics, filial responsibilities, and the evolving perceptions of inheritance. Ms Liu's unconventional choice serves as a poignant reflection of the complex relationships between generations in a rapidly changing society.
