Instead of her three grown-up children inheriting her £2.1 million fortune, the money will now benefit her beloved pets.
Constant companions
Her children had anticipated sharing the sizable inheritance but are now left empty-handed.
Mrs Liu felt neglected by her relatives, who seldom visited her, particularly during her illness. However, her pets were a constant source of companionship, prompting her to redirect her estate to their care.
Due to legal restrictions in China preventing direct bequests to animals, Mrs Liu designated a local veterinary clinic to manage the inheritance on behalf of her pets.
However, her decision has sparked intense discussions online about family dynamics and inheritance customs in China.
Pet inheritance
This isn't the first significant inheritance left to pets. In 2007, hotel magnate Leona Helmsley left over £9,300,000 to her Maltese dog, Trouble, although a judge later reduced this amount to around £1,500,000 amid a public backlash.
Similarly, the German Shepherd Gunther IV inherited a vast fortune from his owner, Countess Karlotta Liebenstein, making him one of the world's wealthiest dogs. His story was even featured on Netflix in "Gunther's Millions."
Mrs Liu's decision highlights the deep bonds that can form between humans and their pets.
Have you considered leaving something to your pets in your will?
