Why Should Bela the Dog Die Because His Human Did?

In one of the strangest requests someone has left in their will, Connie Ley asked that her dog be euthanized and cremated upon her own death. Bela, Ley’s nine year old German Shepherd was there by her side when she passed away. Now, Ley wants Bela’s ashes to be mixed with her own.

In her will, Ley asked that, if the funds were available, Bela be sent the the Best Friends Animal Society in southern Utah to live out her days. If the funds weren’t available, however, Bela was to be buried with her late owner. Unfortunately, the funds were not available for Bela to make it to Utah. But the public has made it very clear that Ley’s decision to have her dog killed and buried with her is selfish … and crazy.

Unfortunately, Bela was Ley’s property, part of her estate when she passed away. This means that Ley’s lawyers are legally bound to carry out her wishes. As long as animals are considered our property, they will continue to have little to no rights in situations like these. They are considered the same as a car or a piece of furniture. Animals don’t even have the right to live out their life is their “owner” decides to take it. Bela is a healthy nine year old with at least a few years left, yet the possibility of him being euthanized is high.

Recently the public has cried out at the injustice of the situation. #SaveBela (the misspelled #SaveBella) have blown up on social media with many offering to adopt the dog. Best Friends Animal Society os trying to figure out how to help save this dog’s life. It is time our laws catch up, animals deserve at least the minimal rights; a right to live without bodily harm.

FOX19NOW/Cincinnati

Lead image source: Lee Coursey/Flickr