Boston inherits estate in Italy — with occupants.

In a small town in central Italy, Luciano Visocchi grew up with stories about Boston, where his mother and aunt had lived for many years.

When Visocchi died this past summer at the age of 62, he honored the city his family loved. In his last will and testament, he named Boston as the heir to his estate, which an Italian newspaper estimated at $700,000 plus a house and other property.

Good news, right? But there’s a catch.

“The City of Boston, MA, USA, is obliged to look after the old dogs Argus and Jak,’’ Visocchi’s will decrees, according to an English translation. “To feed the cat Rossina, easily recognizable from her great size, as well as the cats: Giacchino, Rossino, Pasquale, Francesco, and others as well.’’

In Boston, the bequest has been greeted with bemusement.

“It’s unbelievable. I want to know who is going to feed the cats and dogs,’’ said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who scoffed at the suggestion that he might be responsible for the city’s new pets. “They’re over in Italy. What do you want me to do?’’

via www.boston.com