British Airways by chance flies ‘traumatised’ Labrador to Saudi Arabia as a substitute of the US

A black labrador was by chance flown 7,000 miles within the incorrect course on a British Airways flight earlier this month, leaving her “traumatised”, in keeping with her homeowners.

The pet dog  – who is known as Bluebell – was placed on a flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a substitute of travelling together with her homeowners to Nashville, Tennessee, within the US. Bluebell’s journey had been organized with cargo dealing with firm IAG Cargo.

The mistake occurred on 1 December, when James and Madison Miller started their journey to maneuver abroad from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

After travelling from Heathrow Airport on the long-haul flight, the couple went to gather Bluebell from customs workers on the airport  – solely to be met by the incorrect canine, a cockapoo pet.

As reported by The Sun, Ms Miller stated: “When I walked into the office everyone went totally white.”

“The people at BA looked up what happened and I couldn’t believe it when they said, ‘well, we’ve sent your dog to Saudi Arabia’. We wanted our Bluebell, not a little golden dog,” Ms Miller added.

Five-year-old rescue canine Bluebell was discovered to be in Riyadh and, in keeping with The Mirror, “was eventually flown back to London Heathrow and then on to Nashville, spending a total of 60 hours in cargo.”

The couple allege that British Airways was “unwilling” to fly the canine immediately again to Nashville, and as a substitute say she “endured three long-haul international flights.”

Claiming that Bluebell was “traumatised” after the error, the homeowners allege this has induced 1000’s of pounds-worth of injury to their residence as they now can not depart her alone. The couple are asking British Airways to pay for medicine and rehabilitation prices.

“We did everything right moving Bluebell to America with us, and it’s been an absolute nightmare. The first time we tried to leave her at home alone after the ordeal she ripped through her kennel in the first 10 minutes,” Mr Miller stated.

“The next time she chewed through a wooden door crying the whole time,” he added, saying, “So now we can’t leave her – she could harm herself. Being apart from us is too traumatic for her.”

“We’re working closely with a vet team and behaviourist to help calm her anxiety, and she’s on anxiety medication three times a day. But we don’t know if she’ll ever be the same. It’s breaking our hearts,” Mr Miller added.

An IAG Cargo spokesperson stated: “We are very sorry for the recent error that occurred during Bluebell’s trip to Nashville. We can confirm that she was on the first flight back and that every dog that travels long-haul with transfers will be checked and their water bowls replenished.”

The assertion continues: “At London-Heathrow the team at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre cared for Bluebell, allowing her to stretch her legs, and receive refreshments prior to her onward journey home.

“We take the responsibility of caring for people’s loved animals seriously and remain in regular contact with the owners.”

The Independent has approached British Airways for remark.