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Unsurprisingly, the Humane Society has issued a statement saying they strongly approve of Leona Helmsley's posthumous wish to put her entire trust towards the welfare of dogs. The group asks that the trustees to honor her wish, creating a better world for the pups--and people--of the planet. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society, noted that "While there are 10,000 or so humane organizations in this country, many are poorly funded and overwhelmed by the daily burdens they face. Robust giving by Helmsley's trustees can remedy this problem, and in a major way." Read the full statement after the jump.
Leona Helmsley's wish to create a better world for dogs is a noble dream – and, as it becomes reality, will establish a kinder place for all animals on our planet, humans included."Wisely spent, Leona Helmsley's fortune has the potential to end the needless euthanasia of millions of healthy and treatable animals in the United States, to halt the scourge of puppy mills, to end the mistreatment of dogs in the greyhound racing industry, and to help promote the healing bond between people and dogs," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "If also put to use internationally, it can address these problems on a global scale, including the public health problems associated with free-roaming and unsocialized dog populations."
By giving this general guidance on how her estate is to be spent, Helmsley has acted on an already well established social concern in our society relating to the humane treatment of animals. "While there are 10,000 or so humane organizations in this country, many are poorly funded and overwhelmed by the daily burdens they face. Robust giving by Helmsley's trustees can remedy this problem, and in a major way," added Pacelle.
The New York Times reported today that the late Mrs. Helmsley left instructions after her death last year that her entire trust, valued at $5 billion to $8 billion, be used for the care and welfare of dogs. The Times also noted that some people close to the estate were concerned about public reaction to the request; the story quoted one expert as saying her wishes might be subject to legal challenge.
The Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal protection organization in the nation, vigorously defends Mrs. Helmsley's decision to seek improvements for animals with her fortune. "The goal of a more humane society is a cause worthy of our best efforts and investments," added Mr. Pacelle.
Both science and common sense tell us that those who inflict, or tolerate, harm to animals are likewise numb to human suffering. We also know that dogs are our best friends in society, and they are also an antidote to loneliness and depression, enriching the lives of millions of Americans.
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If only we stopped *breeding* the animals, there wouldn't be so many abandoned ones to look after (and eventually put down because there are too many of them).
I don't want to knock these humane society people, but the effort is being put into the wrong end of the process.
What a waste of fucking money. How about instead use it to help HUMANS who need it?
$5 billion to $8 billion would probably make for some world class public schools.
Save the Pitbulls!
Who is anyone to judge Helmsley"s will? It is her money to do what she wants to do with it. I respect that she gave her money to a charitable cause instead of heirs to spend it on superficial things. It is her money to do what she wants to do it with. The executors needs to do their jobs and execute her wishes instead of thinking about the public opinions. Honestly, I think these executors want a bigger slice for themselves.
For those who are so concerned about the homeless and schools, then how about donating YOUR money instead of telling people how to donate THEIR money.
Knowing humans, those billions would likely just as soon be lost to waste and corruption. World class public schools? Throwing money at problems often doesn't solve them. The education system has tons of problems that pretty much nothing will solve, from disinterested students to outdated teaching methods.
I wouldn't dream of telling anyone how to dispose of their money but...
There are 40,000 children aged 5 and younger dying every day through preventable causes i.e. measles, lack of fresh drinking water etc.
That's the equivalent of a full jumbo jet crashing every 15 minutes. And there's no uproar in the press.
Because they aren't children of the western world. Nobody cares.
Then somebody leaves $8 billion for animals? Very strange.
But??? what is strange is people concern with what people do with their own assets. There are many more problems than unvaccinated children and who is to judge what is more tragic. It is commendable that Helmsley gave to a charitable cause that was close to her heart. It is her RIGHT to do so and these executors are OBLIGATED to follow with her last wishes.
The problem is that it is so much money that there are greedy people out there who want it for themselves and feel it is ok to take it. what about all our taxes that go into Christine Quinn slush funds and her 600/hr lawyer that we pay for.
So much money is given and donated to human causes but it goes to the wrong hands.
It is sickening that now people want to interfere with a person's will. She can give her money to whomever she wants and people should concern themselves with their own money and not hers.
and in regards to public opinion, the lady is dead. she didn't care about public opinion when she was alive. why would she care about public opinion now that she is dead.
the real issue is that these executors and trustees want a bigger slice of the pie and are trying to avoid honoring her will. That for me is the injustice. Now we have to worry that our wills will not be respected because of public opinion. WTF???
I understand what you're saying Roxanne but $8 billion dollars!? For dogs!?
It was Helmsley bequest and should be honored. In reality, she is not obligated to give her money to anyone. Pharaohs were buried with all their wealth. The point is that the public has no right to dictate or judge anyone's bequest. She gave to what she believe in. We all have different beliefs and causes. She gave to her cause and I respect her wishes. I don't like her executors who are trying to get more money for themselves instead of following her instructions. In the end, all the money will end up in the lawyers' hands for legal costs. This is a dangerous line since people will now have no security that their wills are honored.
In was her money to do what she wants. I hope those weasels trustee and lawyers don't try to steal the money away from the dogs. I rather the money goes to the dogs than these wall street thieves who have enough of our money.
Respectfully, I tell everyone to leave that lady's money alone. It was her to do with what she wants. The public has no right to voice what she or anyone else decides to do with their money.
I wish people would voice all the outrage against politicians like Christine Quinn who is doling out our TAX dollars for her own interests. But we don't exercise our rights. We have every right to dictate where our tax dollars goes. Speaker Christine Quinn is a disgrace.
Ok, well I'm off to bed now (Europe) and I wish you all a happy 4th of July ;)
Sorry but I am so disgusted that we are paying for christine quinn 600/hr criminal lawyer when she stated she is under no criminal investigation. This is an outrage yet no one says anything and no news coverage or calls for her resignation. That's is why money should not be trusted in human's hands especially politicans, lawyers.
Does the NY Times really think that if this garbage is printed below the fold, that that means they're not the NY Post?
what a sick woman