Chicago– United Airlines has reportedly cremated a pet without the owner’s permission after it died on a flight from London to Chicago. The 10 month old bunny was vet-checked and declared healthy just hours before flight, so the breeder requested that United Airlines ship the body back to her for an autopsy explanation.
The ten month old bunny was from award winning bloodlines, cost new owners several thousand dollars, and was headed to meet his new family. However, the animal was discovered dead by United personnel before new owners ever got the chance to see him.
Simon, a 10 month old Continental Rabbit, was purchased from a breeder in Worcestershire who is famous for having the largest rabbits in the world. From a Guinness World Record holding parent, as the world’s largest rabbit- this prized 10 month old rabbit was expected to far exceed his father’s size and record.
The sudden death has left heartache for the new owner, and for the breeder, Annette Edwards, who expressed she cares deeply for all her rabbits and is shocked and devastated at the tragedy. United Airlines offered their own autopsy, which Edwards declined.
United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz apologized Thursday on NBC, stating: ‘We are deeply sorry for the loss of anything from your luggage to, of course, a loved pet.’ Once again, United Airlines is taking heat in a PR and media frenzy as many are scrutinizing his choice in wording his apology. Making the comparison between luggage and a pet (when pets in this day and age are considered to be family by many) is now causing outrage across social media.
As if United Airlines needed anymore bad press following the recent violent removal of a doctor passenger who refused to give up his seat on an overbooked flight, or the deaths and near deaths of other animals in their care.
