Innovative Ideas for Pet Trusts
Thanks to Jennifer Paull, we were recently spotlighted in an on-line issue of Vetstreet.com.
We shared the page and the stage with Texas Tech University law professor, Gerry W. Beyer, whom I have dubbed the “godfather of estate planning for animal owners” and attorney Rachel Hirschfeld.
And, thanks again Jennifer.
Landmark Decision Regarding Pet Custody
In a Court ruling that many are calling “a Landmark Decision”, a Canadian Judge has awarded temporary custody of a couple’s two dogs (male and female mixed Great Dane Brittany Spaniels named Baron and Tessa) to one of the parties, following the breakup of their relationship.
More importantly, the person who was awarded custody was not the party that originally purchased and registered the pets.
In explaining his decision, Judge Joel Shaw noted how the internationally recognized book, Fat Cats and Lucky Dogs co-authored by Toronto lawyer, Barry Seltzer, and Texas Tech law professor, Gerry W. Beyer, provided him with an extensive background of pet ownership and trusts that greatly influenced his decision.
How Do I Become a Pet Caregiver?
I recently received this inquiry from a reader.
Hi Danny - I am interested in becoming a pet caregiver. I am recently divorced and my ex kept the dogs - I miss them terribly.
I figure becoming a pet caregiver can fulfill two needs that I have 1) have a dog on whom I can lavish attention and love, and 2) potentially garner a small income to help me adjust to the single income.
What is the best way to find organizations that match potential caregivers with pets newly in need of homes?
Most local humane societies and other safe refuge and sanctuary facilities for companion animals are always in need of good, qualified and competent caregivers.
I suggest that you contact them and request an introductory meeting with the director of these facilities and explain your interest and qualifications.
My Dog Anna Makes Her National Debut
I am extremely pleased that I have been included in the latest issue of the American Bar Association Solo magazine. You can read the article about the Naples Humane Society here on page 44
I hope you enjoy.
Proposed Bill in the Florida Legislature Addresses Domestic Violence Against family Pets.
State Senator Mike Fasano has proposed a bill in the Florida legislature that addresses domestic violence against family pets.
In essence, the bill provides; that a court may issue an injunction for protection against domestic violence granting the petitioner the exclusive care, custody, or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child residing in the residence or household of the petitioner or respondent; providing that it is a first-degree misdemeanor for a person to willfully violate an injunction for protection against domestic violence by knowingly and intentionally injuring or threatening to injure any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child of the petitioner or respondent; providing criminal penalties, etc.
I will keep you advised of the progress of the bill in Florida.
Florida To Hold Statewide Activities for Animal Week
Governor Rick Scott officially proclaimed that the 4th Annual Florida Week for the Animals would be February 4-12, 2012.
This statewide event is designed to celebrate and build awareness on behalf of all animals, as well as recognize the Florida organizations and citizens who support them.
According to Michelle Buckalew,the Florida Week for The Animals team leader, Florida Week for the Animals is bringing together educators, advocates, animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, businesses, students, artists and community leaders in an exciting week of community-building activities. Over 100 events will be featured throughout the State of Florida.
If you would like to learn more, become involved or list an event visit the official website at http://www.floridaanimals.org/.
This is a good thing for animal lovers and the State of Florida.
Maybe your State has a similar program?
Want To Be In The Movies?
I had a very interesting conversation last week with Emma Goddard, the Head of Development of Wild Pictures based in London, England
Wild Pictures is a documentary production company and is currently developing a documentary idea looking at pets that have been left a legacy/trust fund by their owner
They are also looking for owners who currently indulge and pamper their four-legged friends and who are or would seriously think about including their pet in their trust or will.
If they secure the necessary funding the documentary will move forward.
If you are interested in participating in the background or perhaps even being on the screen, contact me and give me your story.
Does Your Dog Have A Soul?
Do you believe that your pet has a soul?
According to the New York Daily News, attorney Susan Chana Lask has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a pet owner and asked the court to make that exact determination.
Under New York law, like almost every other state, a pet is only considered to be “personal property.”
Dog owner Elena Zakharova contends that pets are living creatures that feel love and pain.
So when the pet store sold her a dog with severe physical handicaps, she filed suit and requested money damages for vet bills and also for pain and suffering on behalf of her dog.
Lask contends that pets should be treated the same as human beings in this context.
Many animal owners believe that their pets have souls.
This is an interesting concept, that will be sorted out by the courts, as animal rights continue to evolve.
Your thoughts?
Newest Fat Cat Has $10 Million Dollar Fortune
According to the British newspaper, The Guardian, www.Guardian.co.uk, Tommaso, a four-year-old, may very well now be the world's richest cat.
The one-time stray from Rome, was left over $10 million dollars from his owner with the proviso to her attorneys that they find an animal welfare body or association to which to leave the inheritance and the task of looking after the cat.
Under Italian law, animals cannot inherit directly money or assets. But they can be beneficiaries if a suitable trustee is found.
I do not think that there will be any scarcity of volunteers to be the trustee.
Money To Care For My Pet After I Am Not Around
I recently received this question from a reader:
I want to devise a form of whole life insurance for companion animals, whereby their caretakers pay a reasonable monthly premium and/or flat sum upon their death, in exchange for a lifelong home for their pet(s). Can you help?
I am not aware of any current program that specifically provides for this. However, many caretakers do buy a separate life insurance policy on themselves that is then payable to the pet trust upon their death, for the benefit of their animal
