This is an appalling incident. Absolutely incredulously appalling . United has no leg to stand on and has apologized. There is however nothing that can be done to bring this animal back to life and no remedy to alleviate the tragedy in the eyes of a young girl who will forever remember this tragic occurence.
United should pay a VERY LARGE SUM to the family for their grief and take steps to ensure this does not happen again EVER.
NO dragging passengers off planes who are ticketed and let on board, no putting in pets in overhead bins PERIOD.
The Cabin crew responsible should not only be fired but also should be charged to the full extent of the law allowed for animal cruelty .
Plus she or he is not a very bright or compassionate human being.
Never had a pet of her/his own perhaps.