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Animal Law Keyed to Wagman
In re Searight’s Estate
Citation:
95 N.E.2d 779 (1950)Facts
George Searight died on April 15, 1949, leaving a will that contained a provision establishing a $1,000 trust for the care of his dog, Trixie. The will appointed Florence Hand as trustee to administer the funds for Trixie’s care, with any remaining funds after Trixie’s death to be distributed to Florence Hand if she survived Trixie. If Florence Hand predeceased Trixie, the will appointed the Peoples Bank as successor trustee with instructions to find a suitable home for Trixie and to pay reasonable amounts for her care. The executor sought the court’s guidance on whether this provision was valid and enforceable given that the primary beneficiary was a dog incapable of enforcing the trust.
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