Governor Rell: October 1 Law Allows

 Pet Owners to Set Up Trusts for Animals

Pet owners in Connecticut can now have peace of mind knowing their animals will be properly cared for if owners die before their pets as a result of a new law that takes effect on Thursday, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today.

Under the new law signed June 29, 2009 by Governor Rell, pet owners can set up enforceable trusts to care for their animals, ensuring the animals are not neglected or euthanized if they can no longer take care of the pets.

“Kindness and love are truly the only things pets ask of us. Ensuring they are cared for after we are gone is the humane thing and right thing to do,” Governor Rell said. “Anyone who has every loved an animal and made it part of their home and family understands that sometimes we are better humans because of the companionship of such sweet creatures.”

Senate Bill 650, An Act Concerning the Creation of a Trust for the Care of An Animal is one of several new state laws that take effect on October 1, 2009. The pet law requires that the owner designate a “trust protector,” someone whose sole duty is to act on behalf of the animal, ensuring the pet receives the proper care.

A Superior Court or probate court would have jurisdiction over the trust, which terminates when the last surviving animal dies. The trust protector can seek legal action in either court to remove or replace a trustee, the individual overseeing the fund, if the money was spent on anything other than its intended use.

Prior to the new law, pet owners could set up trusts for their animals but those arrangements were considered honorary since animal beneficiaries cannot enforce them.