**Dog's Death on Alaska Airlines Flight Spurs Lawsuit**

A tragic incident involving the death of a three-year-old French bulldog named Ash on an Alaska Airlines flight has led to a new lawsuit against the airline. The suit was filed by the dog's owner, Michael Contillo, after the pet unexpectedly died during a flight from New York to San Francisco on February 1.

According to court documents submitted to the San Francisco County Superior Court, Contillo and his father had originally purchased first-class tickets for the flight and boarded the plane with Ash and another French bulldog, Kora, in pet carriers. Just before takeoff, airline staff requested that they move from their first-class seats in the fourth row to row 11 in the economy section, citing "safety purposes."

Contillo expressed his concern to the airline staff, warning that moving the dogs at that stage could cause them significant stress. He explained that the dogs were currently calm, but a sudden change in their seating could provoke severe anxiety and potential health complications, particularly due to changes in altitude. Despite these warnings, the crew insisted that they move.

The lawsuit alleges that once relocated, Ash began breathing rapidly and showed noticeable signs of anxiety. Contillo reported that Ash ceased movement shortly thereafter. He claims flight attendants then instructed him to close the pet carrier for takeoff, preventing him from checking on the dog until later in the journey.

Upon landing at San Francisco International Airport, Contillo discovered that Ash was in full rigor mortis, indicating the dog had been dead for several hours. He and his father were devastated by the loss, and their grief was compounded by the lack of sympathy or concern from the flight crew and pilot.

Contillo asserts that prior to this flight, Ash had been a healthy and active dog with no previous health issues. A vet examination before the trip confirmed that both Ash and Kora were fit to fly. Contillo had also previously flown with Ash from San Francisco to New York without any problems.

As a result of this incident, Contillo is suing Alaska Airlines for breach of contract, negligence, and emotional distress. He claims that the airline failed to honor their first-class tickets and overlooked the serious consequences of their actions.