In a tale that might seem more fitting for a dramatic movie plot than real life, an elderly woman from Shanghai, China, has taken the drastic step of cutting her children out of her will, opting instead to leave her multi-million-dollar fortune to her beloved pets.

This decision, which has sparked conversations and debates about familial obligations and the bonds between humans and animals, came after her children failed to visit or care for her during a period of illness.

The woman, known by her last name Liu, had initially drafted a will several years ago, leaving her AUD 4.3 million fortune to her three children.

However, it was reported that Liu's children rarely contacted her and failed to visit or look after her when she was sick.

This lack of care and attention led Liu to make a drastic change to her will, leaving her fortune to her beloved cats and dogs instead.

The woman from China changed her will to leave her fortune to her pets instead of her family. Image: Freepik

In a move that further underscores her commitment to her pets, Liu has chosen a local vet to be the will administrator and look after her animals when she passes away.

This decision, while unusual, is not without its legal complications.

According to Chen Kai, an official from China’s Will Registration Centre headquarters, leaving an entire inheritance to animals is illegal in China.

'Liu’s current will is one way, and we would have advised her to appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for,' he said.

Officials have informed Liu that she could change her mind at a later date, especially if her children change their attitude towards her.

In Australia, pets cannot be named as beneficiaries in wills as well. However, according to law firm Maurice Blackburn, people can set up pet trusts for their animals.

'The money in the trust can be used to pay for their care and day-to-day expenses in accordance with the wishes you leave,' the firm’s website explains.

While pet trusts might seem excessive to some, they provide peace of mind for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are cared for, even if they are no longer around to do so.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly woman in Shanghai has opted to leave her AUD $4.3 million fortune to her pets instead of her children due to their neglect when she was ill.
• She revised her will, initially intended for her three children, choosing a local vet as the will administrator to care for her animals after her passing.
• Leaving an inheritance entirely to animals is not permissible under Chinese law, with legal experts suggesting alternatives to ensure the pets' welfare.
• Though Australian law also does not allow pets to be direct beneficiaries in wills, individuals can create trusts to provide for their animals' care and expenses.

What are your thoughts on this, dear readers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Annna]

In the past I would have said; 'If her children treat her badly, it is probably because o the way she brought them up.'

But increasingly it is the way teachers, empowered by socialists governments, that are raising the young and teaching them disrespect for their elders (and their country in Australia's case.)

However, leaving all her wealth to animals, when there are so many people struggling to survive... not a good choice.

In terms of your comment that notes:

"But increasingly it is the way teachers, empowered by socialists [sic] governments, that are raising the young and teaching them disrespect for their elders..."

I'd ask you to read up on class lessons to learn what goes on in many schools these days to see just how 'empowered' teachers are.

A great majority of teachers are flat strapped trying to create learning in compliance with the government issued curriculum, lessons that will achieve 'engagement'.

Thousands of students come to schools without:

1. Breakfast;
2. Lap tops; and
3. Pens, pencils or notebooks.

A great number of students will have unbelievable reasons (literally) to explain their non-completion of tasks set by teachers.

When asked about the lack of above noted items, many of them respond in ways such as:

'I'm poor, I haven't got any money' and/or 'We have no internet' or similar.

These same students' though do have with them:

1. The latest smart phones;
2. Expensive tech gadgets;
3. Expensive Nike's or similar runners;
4. Blue tooth speakers, often Bose or equivalent;
5. Expensive Bluetooth ear pods and/or wireless headphones.

Female students flaunt:

1. Very long acrylic nails;
2. Centimetre long fake lashes; and
3. Heavy makeup.

Males and females alike carry backpacks that are crammed full of clothing and accessories deemed important and necessary for school attendance. These very bags are often so full, there is no room for laptops/pens/books.

Teachers often provide note paper, pens and other equipment at a personal cost to them. These items are very often left shredded or snapped in half and thrown on the floor (a poignant display of respect).

You note that teachers are raising the young and teaching disrespect.

This behaviour and these attitudes are formed within the homes and the social circles of these students.

Swearing is rampant and evident in the speech of both boys and girls. Swearing is definitely not part of the curriculum.

These students are with each teacher for a total of approximately 3 hours per week per subject (for high school). Teachers are not permitted to compel such students to take part in the class lessons, they can only encourage them to do so.

These students spend an average of 25 hours per week in schools during which time they are taught by about 4 to 6 different teachers (again, this applies to high school).

The 25 hours is when they attend everyday and when they don't truant that is. The other 140+ hours, they're at home with family or socialising with friends etc.

Anything that teachers do in terms of emphasising respect, consideration, patience and empathy during the course of the three hours is erased/undone in the time spent outside of schools.

The family groups that many children are growing up in in the 21st century societies we are part of in first world countries are responsible for the formation of behaviours and attitudes.

The epic failure of parents in so many cases to actually parent has and is causing these unruly teens, many of whom will fail to learn basic literacies by the time they leave school.

When I say basic I mean reading, spelling and writing to a standard required for coping with everyday life after the school years.

No, it is not teachers who are instilling such behaviours or failing students.

While researching school/classroom behaviour, take some time to look at the reasons why schools today Australia wide are operating understaffed and why thousands of teachers are leaving the teaching profession within the first five years after gaining employment following graduation.

I'm quite sure you wouldn't last much longer given the behaviour they have to endure that comes from outside.

 

[Veggiepatch]

When asked about the lack of above noted items, many of them respond in ways such as:

'I'm poor, I haven't got any money' and/or 'We have no internet' or similar.

"As long as me and me girlfriend have enough dough for a slab of Woodstock Bourbon and Cola, a carton of cheap illegal smokes and we owe dealer a coupla hundred next payday. And me and the missus are getting matching tatts next week! Can't wait!" To go with the thousands in ink you already have.

For those who think I'm making this shit up, check out "intergenerational dependence on welfare". And I witness this EVERY DAY where I live.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Love the music reference! How about The Dead Kennedys' "Kill The Poor"!

I like it, but I can't chow down on Fido to that thrash beat.

 

[gordon1940]

It is her money and she has the right to leave it to whoever or whatever (regardless of what others even family expect or think) she wants.

Yes… but very vengeful.

 

[Clancieblue]

Almost all of the comments above are likely misguided . Her children are who their mother raised them to be . If she loved them equally they would have returned that love. She should have shared her wealth equally. If the children were not perfect in hers or others eyes . I suspect she failed them ! There is often a black sheep in a family who needs more direction than others. Some have medical conditions .Some are not as intelligent as others. They are still her children. Why didn't she share her wealth with them while she was alive? What about the poor cats and dogs that died for whatever reason during her lifetime and missed out.

Many questions are unanswered as perhaps the answers could ruin a good story. Never let the facts ruin a good yarn.

Not necessarily, most mothers don't raise their children to be murderers and thieves, or hang off the front of trains etc., but some still do it.

 

[Miss Chris]

I guess I’m very fortunate because my grown up kids would rather we enjoyed whatever money we have saved or that we have in assets, while we still can……they are not waiting in the wings to descend as vultures as happens, sadly, to many others…….and I’m so grateful for having them…..

 

[Miss Chris]

I guess I’m very fortunate because my grown up kids would rather we enjoyed whatever money we have saved or that we have in assets, while we still can……they are not waiting in the wings to descend as vultures as happens, sadly, to many others…….and I’m so grateful for having them…..

 

[Littleboy8]

I guess I’m very fortunate because my grown up kids would rather we enjoyed whatever money we have saved or that we have in assets, while we still can……they are not waiting in the wings to descend as vultures as happens, sadly, to many others…….and I’m so grateful for having them…..

There are 7 siblings in my family and that’s exactly what we all told mum and dad to do so they did.

 

[Eneri]

I would call it karma, if you can’t be bothered to call or visit your parent who most likely gave up so much for you when they were alive , you shouldn’t expect anything except perhaps a dollar ,I say leave to the ones who cared.