As if United Airlines already had been involved in a deluge of bad press and alleged misbehavior, another tragic mishap followed on Tuesday, when a giant rabbit was discovered dead as he arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport – yes the same airport where a physician was bodily dragged off the plane to make room for airline personnel just weeks ago.
Simon, a 35 inch Continental Giant rabbit, had been expected to grow into the world’s largest bunny – following in his father’s hopping paw steps. Instead he was found dead in the cargo hold on a trans-Atlantic flight emanating from London Heathrow. The ten-month-old bunny had been headed to his new “celebrity” owner. According to CbsNews, the rabbit’s breeder, Annette Edwards, 65, of Stoulton, Worchester, was devastated and stated:
“He (Simon) was fit as a fiddle. I’ve sent rabbits round the world; nothing like this happened.”
In a statement issued by the airlines, who say they have been in contact with Ms. Edwards and were “saddened” by the 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.”
Edwards said the airline is reviewing CCTV images to determine what might have happened to the rabbit. No further word has been issued by United.
Rest in peace Simon.
(Photo of Simon the giant rabbit screenshot via CbsNews)
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“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.” REALY? Then why do these things keep happening and why are so many losing their lives! They say this exact thing after each incidence! There is NO WAY any of my pets will ever fly with them!
if they cared he would not of been in cargo
If “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”, this would NOT keep happening! How many times have we heard this excuse, yet nothing seems to change? If this REALLY mattered, this would not continue to happen, year after year!
I agree!
United Airlines keeps on proving its incompetence – just another indication that NO living being is safe on this piss poor example of an airline. There should be a special compartment for animals – cargo has killed way too many animals on all airlines – they are not luggage – they are living breathing beings. This breeder, Annette Edwards, should have known better. Keep up the good work, United and you will be out of business.
I would never let them put my Senior Dog in the Cargo Hold of any Plane.
I would never put my animal on an airplane unless he was travelling in the seat beside me. My baby is worth a ticket inside the plane.
[…] More woes for United Airlines when a giant rabbit died. […]
what the hell is your problem united!?heat and pressurise your damm cargo and animal hold ya morans.if you are paying for an animal traveling with you then why cant you have them in a crate in a chair next to you .the airlines would make more money and i sware pets will be less likely to die in a pressurised main cabin.real stupid treating mammals like a piece of baggage.
Jerks
I would never put an animal in a cargo hold period! Sometimes it’s very cold or hot , no oxygen! Rough handling the lust goes on.
Before you know it, humans are going to be dying on United Airlines. Lousy excuse for an airline.
[…] previous story here and […]
So sorry for the suffering and loss of life. Only Simon, United and God know what really happened. I believe there are too many of this type of event happening, and I would not fly an animal unless it could occupy the seat next to me. I’ve done it in the past but didn’t realize the risk involved. RIP Simon, wake up United, and think carefully about it before you decide to put your pet at risk with ANY airline.
[…] this year, United Airlines received bad press after a giant rabbit named “Simon” perished while in the airline’s care. There are allegations that the big bunny […]