SCANDAL-hit United Airlines is facing a new PR disaster — after a valuable giant rabbit died mysteriously on one of its planes.
Three-foot Simon, destined to be the world’s biggest bunny, died in the cargo section of a Boeing 767 after flying out of Heathrow to a new celebrity owner in the US.
Breeder Annette Edwards said: “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.”
United’s reputation is at rock bottom after film of a doctor being dragged from a jet went viral.
Edwards, 65, said 3ft Simon, expected to grow to be the world’s biggest rabbit, and was healthy when placed in the cargo hold.
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But Simon, heading to a new celebrity owner in the US, was found dead after the Boeing 767-300 landed at O’Hare — the airport where a doctor was violently dragged off a UA plane.
Annette, of Stoulton, Worcs, added: “The client who bought Simon is very famous. He’s upset.”
United Airlines is still reeling from the global outrage after security guards were filmed violently dragging Dr Dao, 69, off an overbooked flight at O’Hare two weeks ago.
He refused to give up his seat and suffered a broken nose, concussion and lost two teeth when removed.
An airport source said news of Simon’s demise sparked a panic among UA staff, adding: “After the viral video no-one wanted responsibility for killing what was to be the world’s biggest rabbit.”
The airline now faces a legal claim from the Simon’s new owner and former Playboy model Annette, who once had plastic surgery to look like cartoon character Jessica Rabbit.
Simon, a continental giant rabbit, was 10 months old. He was on track to out-grow 4ft 4in dad Darius, the world’s biggest rabbit.
Continental giants cost £5,000 a year to keep. Annette’s rabbits are hired out at £500 a time.
United Airlines said: “We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and wellbeing 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.”
News of the death sent Twitter into meltdown today prompting an outpouring of jokes and puns.
Jet code for pets
INTERNATIONAL flight regulations say rabbits and other animals must travel in an area of the plane’s hold that is heated and pressurised.
They are kept in hutches with adequate supplies of food and water. The flight is organised by a specialised agent and the overall cost is in excess of £2,000.
United Airlines allows rabbits to travel in the cabin during domestic US flights but not on international services.
Michigan, the parent state of O’Hare Airport, requires any rabbit coming from the UK to have had a vet’s inspection.
Who framed bodge-air rabbit?
1. Perhaps United Airlines had booked too many rabbits into the cargo hold, so sent armed cops on to drag him off.
2. Maybe he got spooked by Fatal Attraction or Watership Down as the in-flight film, or was it a Hutchcock thriller?
3. Simon may have been terrified of visiting the US on seeing this even bigger bunny next to Donald Trump over Easter.
