United Airlines has settled with the owners of a French bulldog puppy that died after a flight attendant insisted that the carrier containing the dog be stowed in an overhead bin for a three-hour flight.

The dog's death in March prompted animal rights groups to call for the flight attendant to be fired and United to change its rules for transporting pets. The furore even led to the introduction of federal legislation.

United Airlines declined to discuss the terms of the settlement but said, "We are deeply sorry for this tragic accident."

New York attorney Evan Oshan, who represents the dog's owners, the Robledo family of Queens, said the airline and the family reached an "amicable settlement" but declined to discuss the terms.

"We hope the death of Kokito won't be in vain," he said, referring to the bulldog. "We hope all airlines will be moving in the direction of adopting the best safe transport policies."