Following strict instructions as to what should happen to a Virginia woman’s pet dog after she died, a poor unfortunate Shia Tzu, in the pinnacle of health, was euthanized so that it could be buried with her owner.
Having been sent to Chesterfield Country animal shelter on March 8th after the owner was rushed to hospital and subsequently died, Emma the Shia Tzu spent an additional two weeks in unfamiliar surroundings.
During those weeks, the executor of the estate was organising the final express wishes of the deceased.
Unfortunately, in a macabre twist, one of these requests was for the owner’s beloved dog to be euthanized and buried with her.
Despite the fact that Virginia law prohibits the remains of any animals to be buried in a human casket, the prepared owner had circumvented any illegalities by using a plot that was privately or family owned.
By March 22nd, Emma was beginning to feel comfortable in her new home, gaining popularity with the human helpers and employees.
When they heard that their newest resident was scheduled to be executed, staff at the shelter highlighted the obvious moral implications of killing a healthy animal that could easily be re-homed.
Whilst many officials may have agreed with the shelter staff, the fact that Virginia law classes pets as property prevented police officers from intervening with the morbid instructions.
On March 22nd, Emma was euthanized and taken to a pet cemetery where she was cremated. At a later date, her remains were placed in an urn and buried with her owner.
The incident has since gone viral with Twitter and social media understandably mortified by the Will request; in particular, criticism was thrown at the accommodating behaviour of the executor and vet involved.
Although it is not illegal to euthanize a healthy animal in Virginia because they are legally considered personal property, many vets would and should have a moral and ethical problem with killing an innocent and healthy animal.
Similarly, the executor in the case would have just cause to try and circumvent such a strange final wish. This may well be an American case with significantly different laws involved, however, it raises many issues concerning when an executor should look to question the instructions in a Will.
Have you experienced any difficult Will requests? How important is it to follow the deceased’s express wishes?
