Dog dies on flight after owner told to put in overhead bin

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York City ended with the death of a dog in a TSA-compliant pet carrier after a flight attendant forced the pet's owner to store the animal and its carrier in an overhead bin for the duration of the four-hour flight on Monday.

For its part, the United Airlines pet policy includes the following language:

A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of the customer and remain there at all times.

United Airlines spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin released the following statement to FOX News:

This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin. We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them.

“We are thoroughly investigating what occurred to prevent this from ever happening again,” added Schmerin.

Austin resident June Lara posted on Facebook that he was a passenger on the flight on which the dog, named Papacito, died.