While the classic film from 2001 might have featured cats and dogs as rival spies in a comedy showdown, this real-life scenario features the pets and human children on opposite sides of an inheritance battle.
Not exactly blockbuster material, but it sure is surprising.
They were already excluded from their mother’s will, with her furry companions becoming the main beneficiaries.
And we’re not talking about pocket change here—these pets are set to live comfortably for longer than their nine lives.
However, as time passed and her children apparently failed to visit her during her senior years or come by when she was unwell, Ms. Liu decided it was time for some drastic changes.
Reports from Zonglan News indicate that during her period of poor health, Ms. Liu found herself relying solely on the companionship of her cats and dogs, as her children were reportedly absent.
As you might expect, her children were furious at being replaced by pets. Adding salt to the wound was the fact that Ms. Liu’s estate was quite substantial.
Indeed, the cats and dogs weren’t just left with enough for basic care. Ms. Liu set aside an impressive 20 million yuan (approximately $2.8 million) for them.
To navigate this legal challenge, Ms. Liu arranged for a local veterinary clinic to act as the caretaker and administrator of the funds and to take care of her pets after her death.
Due to the unique nature of this case, officials are exploring alternative solutions, noted Chen Kai, an official from the national headquarters of China’s Will Registration Centre in Beijing.
The official stated: “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.”
