A woman in China has decided to leave her $2.8m fortune to her dogs and cats and nothing to her children, says report

A wealthy woman from Shanghai, China, has chosen to exclude her three children from her $2.8 million will instead of leaving her fortune to her pets. The decision was influenced by her perception of her children neglecting her during her old age and illness while her pets remained loyal. 

The woman will stipulate that the money be used for caring for her cats, dogs, and their offspring after her passing, with a local pet clinic serving as the administrator of the inheritance due to legal constraints. Some Chinese citizens praised her online decision, citing similar intentions in their familial relationships. 

Despite concerns raised by officials regarding the risks of entrusting the entire inheritance to the pet clinic, the woman can revise her will if her children’s behavior towards her changes. This case echoes previous instances of pets inheriting substantial fortunes, such as the famous case of Gunther III, a German shepherd who inherited $65 million from his owner, a German countess.

For more information see Alia Shoaib “A woman in China has decided to leave her $2.8m fortune to her dogs and cats and nothing to her children, says report”, Aol, January 28, 2024.