Pet Lovers

[elated]

United Airlines Investigating Giant Rabbit’s In-Flight Death

The airline confirmed the death of a large rabbit in a cargo hold during a flight, but the circumstances remain under review.

By

Kim LaCapria

Apr 26th, 2017

167

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United Airlines‘ 2017 public relations fiasco worsened when news of the death of a giant rabbit in one of the carrier’s cargo holds was widely reported.

The New York Times reported that the rabbit (whose name was Simon) was found dead on arrival at O’Hare after traveling from London Heathrow, but did not indicate when the rabbit died.  They later found out they put the rabbit in the freezer instead of the carrier's cargo. I see another lawsuit in the works.

[hoosieroriginal]

I can't understand why anyone would store an animal under the belly of an airplane - it is cruel.  I would NEVER do that with an animal of mine.  Deaths of animals on airplanes happen much more than you can imagine.  I can't imagine how frightening that must be for an animal.

[chrystaltree]

The death of animals stored in cargo holds are far from unusual.  If they really did put the poor thing in a freezer, that's definitely negligence but it's a rabbit.  As we've seen on all those judge shows, animals are property and the owners would only get the monetary value of the animal.  First time I heard about this, so I don't think it's get much publicity.  It probably would if it was a dog.

[phoenixbrd]

This is so sad...that poor little rabbit freezing to death.  I used to travel with my tiny dog.  She had a carrier that would fit under the seat, but I never had a complaint about her sleeping quietly in my lap.  I can't imagine her being in a cargo hold.  The parents of Simon must be devastated.  

[candys mine]

Who in their right mind would put a rabbit in cargo on a regular commercial transport hold on a TRANS ATLANTIC FLIGHT? That is the kind of trip you use an animal transport service for.  I have to think this was the only option for Simon's owners but I would think they have a case against for Gross neglagence if not cruelty by the airline puttng the rabbit in the freezer.  How does that even happen?  Unless Simon had already passed away and someone put him in the freezer then?   Sorry, little Simon ,  That was a terrible way to die. May your  bunny soul rest in peace 

[meallen616]

[aggravated]

I read an article that stated that United said the rabbit was alive when the plane landed.  Nothing about a freezer and also, the rabbit pictured was extremely large and jet black color.  Interesting.  Sorry for the big bunny!

[Glittergal]

I have two giant bunnies as pets, so this upsets me greatly.  Unfortunately there was negligence on both ends.  The breeder should have known better than to ship a rabbit.  Rabbits are extremely sensitive creatures and do not travel well.  I am sure the poor thing was traumatized and they have weak hearts.  All to make a buck.  Sick.  And shipping animals is generally a bad idea.  The airline was definitely not handling things properly.  Shame on both ends.