That’s messed up.
A Manhattan judge has denied a bid by the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and other animal groups to get a much larger share of the foundation’s billions, finding that even though the late “Queen of Mean” directed her massive fortune go to the dogs, the foundation trustees have the discretion to give it away however they want.
The dog charities argued they should have standing to challenge how the foundation gives away its money because Helmsley’s mission statement said the cash should go “to purposes related to the provision of care of dogs.”
The animal groups said the foundation’s trustees haven’t exactly respected Helmsley’s wishes, because of the aprroximately $450 million they’ve given away to date, only $100,000 – roughly one fiftieth of one percent – has gone to canine causes.
[Image via AP Images.]
