A legal case has erupted following the tragic death of a French Bulldog on an Alaska Airlines flight. Michael Contillo is suing the airline, claiming that the forced move of his pet from first class to economy caused its death.
In a devastating incident, a French Bulldog lost its life on a flight from New York to San Francisco after being relocated from first class to economy, the New York Post reported.
Michael Contillo, his father, and two French Bulldogs named Ash and Kora initially sat in the first-class section, row four, on their Alaska Airlines flight. As the plane prepared to depart on February 1, the crew requested that Contillo and his pets move to the economy, specifically to row 11.
The airline staff cited "safety purposes" as the reason for the relocation. Contillo vigorously protested the reassignment and voiced concerns about the potential health risks it posed to his dogs.
Despite his efforts, the crew did not allow Contillo and his dogs to remain in first class. The staff dismissed his pleas, which emphasized the dogs' calm current state and the likely severe anxiety and health issues the move could prompt.
Shortly after their move to the economy seating, Ash exhibited signs of acute anxiety and began breathing heavily. Contillo's warnings about the possible severe repercussions of moving the animals appeared to manifest.
The situation deteriorated rapidly; during the flight, Ash's condition worsened, leading to his death. Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport, the dog lay in a state of rigor mortis, clearly indicating the time elapsed since his passing.
Contillo, who ensured that both his French Bulldogs were vet-checked and cleared for the flight in New York, found no pre-existing health issues with Ash. He based his persistent claims about the potential danger posed by moving them under such stressful conditions on their known health state and prior travel experience.
The lawsuit, which targets Alaska Airlines for breach of contract, negligence, and emotional distress, surfaced last week in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Contillo seeks justice for the loss of Ash, whom he believes died due to the airline's inattention to the dangers associated with the imposed seat switch.
He intended the return trip to mirror their earlier hassle-free flight from San Francisco to New York, during which Ash traveled without any issues. The legal complaint highlights the stark contrast between the two experiences.
A significant part of Contillo’s distress stems from what he describes as the flight crew's lack of compassion following the dog’s death. According to Contillo, not only was there a failure in preventive care, but the crew's response post-incident also lacked the slightest acknowledgment of his loss.
"Plaintiff explained that moving the dogs at this point before takeoff would be extremely dangerous for the dogs," noted his statement in the suit, highlighting the anxiety and critical breathing and heart problems such stress could cause.
The complaint further detailed, "At this time," referring to just after their seating relocation, "Ash immediately started breathing very quickly and heavily, with noticeable anxiety." These developments quickly took a grim turn during the long cross-country flight.
The grievance that Contillo expressed was not met with acknowledgment from the staff on board. He outlines in his claim, “By the time the Plaintiff and his father deboarded the plane at the San Francisco International Airport, Ash’s body was entirely in rigor mortis."
The indifference continued as they left the aircraft, "The entire flight crew, including the pilot, deboarded the plane and showed no sympathy for the Plaintiff’s dog's loss." This perceived callousness has magnified Contillo's agony and grief.
This legal action underlines the ongoing debates about the responsibilities airlines hold in ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers, including those with four legs. Contillo’s painful experience raises questions about pet safety and airline policy which this lawsuit may bring to the forefront of industry standards.
