Police Intercept United Airlines Flight in Denver After Alleged Service Animal

December 7, 2025 at 04:58 PM•1 min read

Police met United Airlines flight UA297 in Denver following alleged service animal abuse at SFO.

Key Points

1United Airlines flight UA297 was met by Denver police following reports of alleged service animal abuse at San Francisco International Airport.
2A passenger allegedly hit and dragged her black Labrador after it urinated on the carpet at SFO's departure gate.
3Witnesses reported the incident to airport authorities and shared details on social media, prompting a law enforcement response.
4An investigation has been initiated by Denver Police into the reported animal cruelty and passenger conduct on December 6th.

A United Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Denver International Airport (DEN) was met by law enforcement upon arrival following an alleged incident of animal abuse at the departure gate. Reports indicate that a young female passenger, traveling with a large black Labrador wearing a pink service animal harness and a choke chain, allegedly hit and dragged the dog after it urinated on the carpet near gate E3. The incident occurred prior to the boarding of United Airlines flight UA297 on Friday, December 6th.

Witnesses to the alleged abuse quickly reported the situation to airport authorities and also shared details on social media platforms, including Reddit, drawing significant attention. Concerns from fellow passengers prompted a formal response, leading to airport police being alerted. As a result, officers from the Denver Police Department were dispatched to meet United flight UA297 upon its landing in Denver, initiating an investigation into the reported animal cruelty and passenger conduct. The incident underscores ongoing discussions regarding service animal policies and passenger responsibilities in air travel.