United facing more scorn after puppy dies in overhead bin
United Airlines’ HQ is hunkering down for another major PR backlash, and it could get just as bad as the infamous dragging incident of last year.
The latest controversy involved the death of a puppy and the outrage is already palpable on social media.
The dog was traveling in a TSA-approved dog carrier and placed under the seat as per normal policy.
However a flight attendant forced the owner to place the dog in an overhead luggage bin.
After the three-hour flight from Houston to New York LaGuardia the 10-month old puppy was found dead.
United has taken full responsibility and acknowledged the crew member was clearly in the wrong.
"We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them. We are thoroughly investigating what occurred to prevent this from ever happening again," United said in a statement.
"Pets should never be placed in the overhead bin."
Spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin said the airline has been in contact with the owner and offered to pay for an autopsy.
According to department of transportation data, United has by far the highest rate of death or injury of animals during flight.
"If reports are true that a United Airlines flight attendant insisted that this dog’s guardian put him in the overhead bin, then he or she should be fired and charged with cruelty to animals for this dog’s horrific, terrifying death," PETA said in a statement.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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