New Delhi: A resident of San Francisco in the US has filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines after the death of his French bulldog. The lawsuit alleges that the dog died due to negligence. Mr Contillo and his father had purchased first class tickets to ensure adequate space and comfort for their two French bulldogs, Ash and Cora.

Before the flight, both dogs were examined by a veterinarian and declared fit to fly. However, Alaska Airlines staff insisted on moving passengers and their pets further back on the plane, citing safety concerns.

Where did the negligence occur?

The sudden transfer caused great distress to Ashe, who began showing signs of respiratory distress, including gasping for air. Contillo was unable to monitor his pet during takeoff and landing due to airline regulations. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, Contillo learned that Ashe had died.

The lawsuit makes several key allegations against Alaska Airlines:

Negligence in handling brachycephalic breeds: The airline failed to consider the specific needs of brachycephalic breeds, such as French Bulldogs, who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory problems during air travel.

Breach of Contract: The lawsuit claims Alaska Airlines breached the contract by downgrading passengers from first class without a valid reason.

Inadequate employee training: Contillo alleges that airline employees lack the proper training to handle animals, particularly those with specific health concerns.

demand for punishment

In addition to seeking financial compensation, Contillo is also seeking punitive damages to hold Alaska Airlines accountable for its negligence. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that brachycephalic breeds are at a higher risk for respiratory problems during air travel. The organization recommends that these breeds should be kept in the passenger cabin and not transported as cargo or in confined areas.