In a heartbreaking incident, a pet French bulldog named Ash tragically passed away during an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to San Francisco. The dog experienced respiratory distress after being moved to a different seat mid-flight, leading to severe breathing complications.
A Distressing Change of Seats
Ash was traveling with his owner, Michael Contillo, who had purchased first-class tickets to ensure comfort for both Ash and another pet, Kora. However, airline staff requested that they relocate to a later row, which limited Contillo’s ability to monitor Ash’s condition closely. Reports indicate that Ash began panting heavily and struggled to breathe after being moved to the rear of the aircraft.
Contillo was devastated to discover Ash had died only after the plane landed at San Francisco International Airport.
Pre-Flight Checks and Lawsuit
Prior to the flight, both Ash the French Bulldog and Kora underwent medical examinations and were declared “fit to fly.” Following the tragic incident, Contillo blamed Alaska Airlines for the death of his beloved pet. He has since filed a lawsuit against the airline, citing several allegations, including negligence in handling brachycephalic breeds (a group of dogs known for their short snouts), breach of contract, and inadequate staff training.
Contillo’s lawsuit contends that the airline’s negligence and the decision to downgrade Ash from first class contributed to the distress that ultimately led to the dog’s death.
Alaska Airlines’ Response
In response to the incident, Alaska Airlines stated that first-class passengers are allowed to bring a total of three pet carriers on board, while the main cabin accommodates eight. The airline emphasized that flying can be stressful for pets, particularly those who may be anxious or easily frightened. They also encouraged pet owners to acclimate their pets to their travel carriers in advance to help reduce stress during travel.
This unfortunate incident raises important questions about airline policies regarding pet travel and the responsibilities of airline staff in ensuring the safety and well-being of animals on board.