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Contillo bought first-class tickets for himself and his father to ensure that their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, would have ample space to move around
Michael Contillo, a San Francisco resident, has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines following the death of his French bulldog, Ash, during a flight from New York to San Francisco on February 1, 2024. Filed on October 16, the lawsuit alleges that Ash died as a result of negligence, having been compelled to sit in a coach seat rather than his designated first-class seat before take-off.
In the lawsuit seen by The Independent, Contillo bought first-class tickets for himself and his father to ensure that their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, would have ample space to move around and minimal interaction with other passengers. Before the flight, both dogs were examined by a veterinarian and declared fit to fly.
But Alaska Airlines staff insisted that Contillo and his father move further into the aircraft for “safety reasons,” a decision that allegedly caused unnecessary distress to Ash.
The last-minute relocation within the aircraft reportedly created considerable anxiety for Ash. Shortly after moving, he began panting and gasping for air. Contillo was instructed to close the carrier during take-off and was unable to check on Ash until the aircraft was cruising. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, Ash was found to be in rigor mortis, indicating he had died at some point during the flight.
The lawsuit includes several serious allegations against Alaska Airlines:
· The airline’s policies reportedly did not take into account that certain breeds, such as bulldogs, are at a greater risk for respiratory difficulties during air travel.
· They accuse the airline of breaching the contract by downgrading them from first class without lawful justification.
· The complaint implies that Alaska Airlines failed to provide its employees with adequate training on how to handle animals during flights.
Contillo states that he has experienced severe emotional distress due to the death of his pet.
The lawsuit is also seeking punitive damages and highlights that the Alaska Airlines employees appeared indifferent after Ash had passed away. Contillo noted that the airline’s officials did not offer any condolences following the incident.
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that breeds with short snouts, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more vulnerable to the risk of death during air travel due to respiratory issues. For such breeds, the organisation advises that they should continue to travel in the passenger cabin and not as cargo or in other confined areas.