Armchair Traveller

Posted: 8 months ago by Adam Bub

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Supermodel claims US airline killed her two-year-old dog

When you transport a family pet in an aeroplane, it's a nerve-wracking experience for both the animal and the family. But for American supermodel Maggie Rizer, flying her two-year-old golden retriever on United Airlines ended in tragedy.

The 34-year-old model has accused the US airline of killing her dog Bea and lying to her about its death.

Rizer, husband Alex Mehran and their 10-month-old son Zander went to collect their golden retrievers Bea and Albert from the cargo terminal after a New York to San Francisco flight a fortnight ago.

They were shocked to be told that "one of them is dead" by an "emotionless worker who seemed more interested in his text messages", Rizer wrote on her blog "Bea Makes Three".

After a 30-minute wait, a supervisor came to inform the family it was Bea.

The airline rep insisted that Bea be delivered to the local vet for an autopsy, but that didn't go down well with the family, who wanted to have her returned and taken to their own vet.

"Over the next two hours, the supervisor's lie unravelled as it became clear that Bea was right behind a closed door the whole time and he had been discussing how to handle the potential liability with his boss," the model wrote online.

United has commented that the internal investigation "doesn't show any irregularities, as evidenced by the fact that your companion dog and other animals on board did not suffer the same fate".

Rizer's dog vet, who ended up conducting the autopsy, claimed that Bella died of heatstroke.

Top image: Bea Makes Three. Bottom images: Getty/Twitter.

"Our little Beatrice died in pain, scared and alone," Rizer said on her blog.

"Aside from being completely emotionally distraught over the loss of our little Bea, I am so saddened by the complete lack of competence, honesty and compassion that United has shown."

"I am not writing this to start a lawsuit or to get anyone to stop flying United. I am writing this to help make people aware that airlines are incapable of ensuring the safety of our pets. All it takes is for one employee to not follow the proper procedure and then like me, your dog is dead."

Rizer added that her dog was in good health before the flight, having passed a medical test. Paying $1800 to fly the dogs over, Rizer and her husband also bought the pooches special kennels and water bowls with ice.

Bea was given to Maggie and Alex as a wedding gift.

"Beatrice was a very special gift because she was so much more than just a dog. She was full of light and happiness that you could truly see when she pranced into a room … I call her my Sweet-Bea," Rizer wrote online.

Is it fair to blame the airline? Has something ever happened to your pet while flying? Share your thoughts and stories below.

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User comments

gee, people seem to care more about stupid animals than people. a dog is replaceable - just go to Pets Paradise and get a new one. and make sure you pick up it's mess because there certainly seems to be a lot of it around.

That is the most saddest and pathetic comment I have ever read. Not all men are the same and a whole gender is not to blame for this incedent. All the blokes I know have pets and absolutely love them. Obviously you have some big issues and you should probably see someone about them.

Most definately the Airline is to blame! I have heard of this happening before where a pet died from the heat in that compartment. Its a big concern and someone should sue them just so they and other airlines guilty of this will get their act together! My heart breaks for Maggie Rizer and her family

This is so heartbreaking. Like many, I would pay a full ticket for my dog to be in the cabin. In Europe it's very common and you don't even have to pay full price. They still have a kg limit and require a small bag or box, but if the dog is well behaved and small, they can travel in the cabin rather than cargo. I believe there are some domestic Japan airlines that allow small dogs or cats in the cabin, too. It's so dangerous in cargo, but as long as Australia and some US airlines don't update their views on pets or animals in general, then we'll have to put up with this as long as we live here.

I was so sad when I read this, I have a British Bulldog who is a frequent flyer and I would be absolutley devistated if this happened to me, its hard enough to say goodbye to a pet in a calm relaxed enviroment, the thought of my baby being scared and alone is gut wrenching, I have tears just typing this...So sorry for your loss.

What a sad story to read. My heart goes out to the owners! Airlines really need to do more to look after pets. It's time they got their act together. Have a separate section where there is minimal engine noise, well ventilated and comfortable. Doing everything possible to keep stress to a minimum. In these day and times, they really need to start looking into this.

until pets are treated as living, sensitive loved ones, and not baggage, they will suffer, if not die in the hands of their paid 'carers'. Why the heck cant an airconditioned area be designated for living beings?? Not a big ask! I would sue the butts off the airline, and make lots of noise, maybe until conditions are improved. Only money will make an impact on them. Make them pay for thier lack of care and negligence.

Hi Germane. Get over it *** the dogs dead!

I would be devastated if this happened to my dog and yes I would sue United Airlines for neglect, It costs a lot of money to fly a dog anywhere, My beloved Labrador came here to Australia 32 years ago with no problems considering it was a flight from the U.K. I will never fly United Airlines if they employ uncaring staff.

this is soo sadmy heart goes out to your family. that airline deserves a lawsuit bea was a family member and the stupid airline is just trying to cover up their mistake. no one should fly with them and pets should be allowed to sit in the seats with their owners to ensure their safety. i am so angry with this airline how dare they do this

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