Bernard Aptaker to Make Gifts for Animals

Outright and gifts in trust (inter vivos or testamentary) for the benefit of animals have been increasing significantly in recent years.  A recent report has revealed that Bernard Aptaker, a survivor of Nazi concentration camps during World War II, has begun making a series of gifts for the benefit of animals.

Here are a few excerpts from Allan Turner, Houston real estate tycoon Bernard Aptaker gives money to SPCA, Houston Chronicle, June 6, 2006:

Aptaker is giving much of his wealth away. And first on his list of beneficiaries are homeless horses, down-on-their-luck cows and other large abandoned or abused animals in need of a little comfort. * * *

Houston’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently announced that the businessman had given the group 60 acres near George Bush Intercontinental Airport for creation of the Freedom Farm refuge. Basic infrastructure work has begun at the site, and the group soon plans to launch a capital campaign to build barns, corrals and other support structures. * * *

As many as 1,000 horses may be housed at Freedom Farm, which, when completed, also will provide facilities for long-term care of orphaned pets, a caretaker’s cottage and meeting areas for animal-oriented youth camps.