A GIANT rabbit who died on his way to a new owner in the US collapsed waiting for a connecting flight.
United Airlines said 3ft Simon appeared “happy and healthy” as his first plane landed at Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
But he collapsed in his cage at a pen ahead of a flight to Kansas.
Staff at a company-run pet facility noticed the 10-month old rabbit was lifeless and still but initially believed he was sleeping.
Bryan Bergdale, who bought the ten-month-old on behalf of his boss for £1,815, told The Sun: “We’re still in the mourning process.
“We’re not quite sure what to do.”
Bryan, 29, of Clive, Iowa, said he got a call from United as he pulled into Kansas City airport.
They said the bunny had “expired” and that they were trying to reach the seller, British breeder Annette Edwards.
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Bryan had prepared a special air-conditioned hutch for the rabbit’s arrival.
He said: “I was upset.
“I wouldn’t quite go as far as heartbroken just because I had not yet met the rabbit.
“I was definitely very disappointed, I’d built a pen and bought a bunch of toys and food.”
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.
United — who sparked outrage when security guards dragged a doctor off an overbooked flight — has one of the worst US records for shipping pets.
Last year eight dogs and a kitten died in its care.
United chief Oscar Munoz apologised for the death — but put his foot in it by comparing it to losing luggage.
He said: “We are deeply sorry for the loss of anything from your luggage to, of course, a loved pet.”