Embattled US airline hits the headlines again after on board death of celebrity rabbit.
ADVERTISEMENTA 90-cm-long, giant rabbit named Simon set off from London Heathrow to Chicago for a new life but never made it to his destination. After touching down, the bunny’s lifeless body was found in the cargo hold of the United Airlines flight.
UK media report that the giant rabbit was being delivered to a new “celebrity owner”. But Simon was reportedly famous in his own right as the son of of the world’s largest rabbit, a 1.3m-long continental rabbit called Darius.
United Airlines have been embroiled in a string of controversies in recent weeks following the violent ejection of Dr David Dao from a flight earlier this month.
In a statement to the BBC the airline said: “We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and well-being of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team.
“We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter.”
Simon’s owner, seasoned rabbit exporter Annette Edwards told a UK newspaper:
“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle.
“Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.”