Dog charities could get billions from will - Pet insurance

Posted : 02-07-2008

Billionaire Leona Helmsley, who attempted to leave $12 million (£6 million) to her dog, may give billions to dogs in general, it has been reported.

The hotelier and real estate magnate, who died last August, wrote a 'mission statement which said she wanted to leave her entire trust to the care and welfare of dogs, according to the New York Times.

After dying at the age of 87, Mrs Helmsley had $2.8 billion in liquid assets, although the entire value of her trust could be worth as much as £8 billion.

However, dogs may not receive all these funds, as the statement says trustees can distribute the money as they wish, while some lawyers claim the statement is not legally binding, the newspaper reports.

Last month, it was reported that Trouble, the dog left $12 million in the will, lost a court case to keep the money.

The toy Maltese terrier had $10 million of its fortune stripped and given to two of Mrs Helmsley's grandchildren.

Although the court did not hear details of the millionaire dog's pet health insurance costs, it was revealed that $8,000 a year is needed just for its grooming needs.

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