Conn. pet trust fund bill signed into law

HARTFORD, Conn., July 8 (UPI) -- Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill to allow residents to set up living trusts with their pets as the beneficiaries.

The law, which was sponsored by state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Ridgefield, state Rep. Russ Morin, D-Wethersfield, and state Rep. John Hetherington, R-New Canaan and Wilton, requires the trust funds to be used solely for the care of the beneficiary pets and can be used to care for a pet before the death of its owner if the human is no longer able to care for the animal, The Connecticut Post reported Wednesday.

"(Creating a trust for pets) is a good thing to do, especially because many pets outlive their families," Boucher said.

Morin said he was unaware of pet trusts until the matter was brought to his attention by constituents. Connecticut is the 41st state to pass a pet trust law.

"If it helps people and makes them feel good, then it's really a good piece" of legislation, Morin said.