Social media angered after dog dies in overhead compartment

United Airlines has landed themselves in hot water after a 10-month-old dog died aboard one of their flights.

According to NY Times, a witness on-board said that the flight attendant instructed the passenger to place her dog in the overhead compartment prior to the flight, which departed from Houston en-route to New York.

The pet owner insisted that she would not allow the dog to be placed in the compartment and would keep it under her seat. However, she was told that she had to comply as it would be a safety hazard during an emergency situation.

The airline's in-cabin pets policy states: "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."

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The owner, who was on the flight with her children, encountered turbulence and wasn't able to check up on the pet. Sadly, the Black French bulldog died.

Maggie Schmerin, a spokesperson for United Airlines, has spoken out following the heartbreaking incident. 

"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," she said.

There was an influx of comments when news of the incident broke on social media. 

Watch as the family speaks out after the incident:

Some have called for the flight attendant to be banned from flying ever again. What do you think her appropriate punishment should be? Share your comments below: