Woman Dies And Demands Healthy Dog Be Buried With Her

Under Indiana law, pets and other animals are considered property and become part of the owners estate if said owner dies. Pets must be treated humanely but the owner ultimately gets to decide their fate.

Advocates are fighting to save the life of a healthy German Shepherd whose owner stipulated in her will that her dog Bela should be euthanized and buried with her. Connie Lay's attorney, Doug Denmure, says no one has the right to change her wishes and he will ensure his client's demands are carried out.

Volunteers at the PAWS Humane Center said the dog should be given a new home and numerous families have reached out asking to adopt Bela. They also deny the attorney's assertion that the dog is aggressive.

Ms. Lay left another option for Bela. He could be sent to Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal refuge in Utah, but Denmure says his client did not make provisions for his care. He said donations would be accepted.

I wonder if he would be willing to donate a portion of the money he's earned off Ms. Lay's estate in order to save the dog's life?