GOP Senator Called Out For Pushing For Law To Protect Pets, But Not Kids

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who opposes gun control laws, said he'll introduce a bill to protect animals on airplanes.
Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana (right), pictured with President Donald Trump, says he's planning to introduce a bill to prohibit airlines from putting animals in overhead bins. He also has said America doesn't need new gun laws.
Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana (right), pictured with President Donald Trump, says he's planning to introduce a bill to prohibit airlines from putting animals in overhead bins. He also has said America doesn't need new gun laws.
Mike Segar / Reuters

Outraged over the death this week of a French bulldog aboard an airliner, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said he will introduce legislation Thursday to ban airlines from putting animals in overhead bins.

People on Twitter were largely unimpressed, questioning why the lawmaker could so swiftly move to address the problem of pet deaths on aircraft while failing to push gun control in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, high school massacre and other mass shootings.

On Wednesday, the day Kennedy announced his planned legislation, thousands of students across the country took part in walkouts to protest gun violence. The students held signs saying “Enough is enough” and “Protect us, not guns.”

Kennedy, who has received more than $200,000 from the National Rifle Association over the course of his political career, told CNN last month he didn’t believe America needed new gun laws.

“I think we need more idiot control,” he said.

Kennedy quickly expressed outrage on learning of a dog’s death aboard an airliner. He penned a letter to the president of United Airlines on Wednesday, demanding “an immediate explanation for the number of animals who have died recently” in the airline’s care.

According to Department of Transportation data, 24 pets died aboard airliners in 2017, and United had the most of any U.S. carrier ― 18.

Seventeen people were killed in the Parkland school massacre.

Before You Go

LOADINGERROR LOADING

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot