Maryland lawmakers eyeing pet trusts

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Maryland could soon have a law that would allow pet owners to create financial trusts to be used to care for their pets, a state official says.

Maryland state Del. Wade Kach, R-Baltimore, who is sponsoring the legislation, said the proposed law would only allow pet owners to put aside enough funds to care for the animal, The Washington Post said Wednesday.

The comment from the House of Delegates official comes amid concerns the proposed state law could lead to cases similar to that of the late hotel magnate Leona Helmsley, who created a $12 million trust fund for her pet dog in her will.

But Michael Markarian, Humane Society of the United States executive vice president, told the Post such legislation does offer pet owners some piece of mind in regards to their pets' future.

"People want the peace of mind of knowing that their pets will be cared for," Markarian said.

The Post said the Maryland House of Delegates could vote on the proposed law this week.