### French Bulldog's Death on Alaska Airlines Flight Triggers Lawsuit

In a disheartening incident earlier this year, a French bulldog tragically passed away on an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to San Francisco. The dog's owner, Michael Contillo, has since filed a lawsuit alleging that the circumstances leading to his pet's death were directly caused by the airline's actions.

According to the complaint, Contillo and his nearly four-year-old French bulldog, Ash, were reassigned from their first-class seats to the main cabin just before takeoff, which Contillo claims was a "direct and foreseeable consequence" of the airline's wrongful conduct. Contillo had initially purchased first-class tickets for himself and his father on a February 2024 flight, ensuring that his two French bulldogs could board early and enjoy more spacious seating. He paid an additional $100 each to reserve space for the dogs in first class, believing this would provide a safe and comfortable environment for them.

However, just prior to takeoff, airline personnel requested that Contillo and his father move to the main cabin due to alleged "safety purposes." Contillo protested, warning that the move would induce severe anxiety in the dogs, potentially causing life-threatening breathing and heart issues. Despite his warnings, the complaint alleges that the airline staff ignored the concerns and proceeded with the reassignment.

Once moved to the main cabin, Ash reportedly started to exhibit signs of severe distress, breathing quickly and heavily with pronounced anxiety. Airline staff instructed Contillo to close the dog's carrier, a directive with which he complied. Tragically, Ash ceased moving shortly thereafter, and Contillo was unable to check on the pet until the plane reached cruising altitude. The dog was found unresponsive upon arrival in San Francisco, having entered rigor mortis, indicating death occurred hours earlier.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court on October 16, criticizes the flight crew's lack of empathy following the incident, alleging that none of the crew members, including the pilot, offered condolences or expressed any concern about the dog's demise. Contillo emphasized that both French bulldogs had been evaluated before the flight and declared fit to travel, with Ash described as healthy and active, having no history of illness or surgeries.

Blaming Ash's death on the "unjustifiable" seat change, Contillo is suing Alaska Airlines for breach of contract, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking punitive damages, the amount of which will be determined at trial. The lawsuit asserts that the airline employees should have known the necessary precautions to prevent such a tragic outcome.