Animal Groups Denied Larger Chunk of Helmsley’s Assets

The last time I blogged about Leona Helmsley’s estate, a judge had reduced her gift to her dog, Trouble, of $12 million to $2 million. Once again, Helmsley’s wishes with regard to her assets have been rejected.

A Manhattan judge recently denied bids by animal groups to get a larger share of Helmsley’s foundation’s billions. The judge found that although Helmsley directed that her fortune be used to improve the welfare of dogs, the trustees have the discretion to give away the money however they want. Of the approximately $450 million given away to date, the trustees have only given $100,000–roughly one fiftieth of one percent–to canine causes.

The judge found against the animal groups because she didn’t want to open the floodgate for countless lawsuits and because the class of beneficiaries was not clearly defined. The animal groups fear that this ruling sets a dangerous precedent for individuals who leave gifts in trust, thinking that their requests will be carried out.

See Dareh Gregorian, Judge Denies Dog Charities’ Grab for Larger Chunk of Helmsley Foundation Money, N.Y. Post, May 6, 2011.