There is a difference between leaving a pet to a person to be cared for under certain conditions and setting up a trust for one's pet (at least I think so). As much as a love my Eskie and my cat (well, I could take or leave her, actually), I'm not leaving them any money.
But if you're an elderly person with no family I can understand the need to want your pet cared for after you're gone.
It just seems odd that this had to be put into law this way.
I have written several "pet trusts". Mostly for the elderly, whose pet is really their sole companion. You see, they get unconditional love from the pet, while many of them feel that nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren are just hanging around waiting for them to kick the bucket so they can get their hands on the loot!
Imagine their surprise when they find that the dearly departed left the bulk of her estate to various charities and a trust fund for Fifi with the residuary going to the SPCA after Fifi's demise!!!