Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., is demanding answers from United Airlines about the number of animals that have died while flying with the company, after a dog died on a recent flight when an attendant put the animal in the carry-on luggage compartment.
“For many people, pets are members of the family. They should not be treated like insignificant cargo,” Kennedy said in a letter to United Airlines President Scott Kirby. “Frankly, they shouldn’t be placed in the cargo hold much less an overhead bin.”
United Airlines has accepted responsibility for the incident.
“This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin,” the airline said. “We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them.”
According to a Department of Transportation report issued last month, 24 animals died during air transportation last year, and 18 of those animals flew with United.
Thirteen of 15 animals injured during air transportation were reported as having been in the care of United Airlines.
“This pattern of animal deaths and injuries is simply inexcusable,” Kennedy wrote.
