11 September payout row

Bitter feelings are growing in the US about the "greedy" relatives of victims of the 11 September attacks with woman asking: "My dog died, how much is that worth?"

On learning that relatives would be getting $1.65 million compensation, the woman added: "Can I sue God for depriving me of my dog's companionship?''

Ordinary Americans, who once voiced sympathy and reached for their wallets, now complain that the families of the dead only care about the money they will recieve.

Many have taken their complaints to the US Department of Justice, which is administering a $15 billion fund. "I see greed, greed, developing from the victims," one correspondent observed. "Be grateful for what you are getting from the rest of the nation and continue with your lives."

Much of the backlash is directed at groups like Families of September 11 Inc, who have complained about a rule that says relatives must give up the right to sue before they can get a payment.

They also want changes to rules that deduct life insurance policies and other sources of income from the money approved by Washington. Many families, they say, will get almost nothing from the government as a result.

But their complaints have failed to strike a chord with the public. Families of September 11 has been deluged with emails highly critical of the bereaved.

"We feel your grief," one read. "Must we also feel your greed?"

In the first two months after the attacks, Americans gave $ 500million to help the families of the 3,000 dead. About 200 families have accepted the deal, abandoning their right to take legal action.