Alaska

San Francisco man sues Alaska Airlines over death of French bulldog on flight from New York

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2024

San Francisco man sues Alaska Airlines over death of French bulldog on flight from New York

Michael Contillo and his father took Contillo’s two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, with them to New York. Three-year-old Ash died on the return trip to San Francisco, the lawsuit says.

A San Francisco man is suing Alaska Airlines, saying his dog died on a cross-country flight from New York after they were forced to move from first class to coach.

According to a lawsuit obtained by USA TODAY on Friday and filed in San Francisco County Superior Court last week, Michael Contillo and his father took Contillo’s two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora, on a two-month trip to New York.

The flight from San Francisco to New York in November 2023 went off without a hitch. But when they flew back to San Francisco in February, Ash died on the flight, the lawsuit says.

Alaska Airlines told USA TODAY on Friday that the company does not comment on litigation.

What happened on Alaska Airlines flight with French bulldogs?

Before departing for the East Coast, a veterinarian confirmed that both dogs were healthy enough to make the trip, the lawsuit says. For increased comfort for the dogs, Contillo bought two first-class tickets, according to the lawsuit.

Contillo and his father boarded the flight to San Francisco with the dogs in first class. But just before the flight was going to take off, the lawsuit says two airline workers, including a flight attendant, asked Contillo and his father to move with the dogs to coach.

Contillo said he argued that moving into a more crowded area of the plane could distress his dogs and that the pet carriers they were in were in compliance with airline policy. Contillo said he told the employees that his dogs could become anxious, which could lead to heart and breathing problems.

The workers “ignored everything that was said, and just repeated that he, his father, and the dogs have to move into coach at this point. Because the plane is about to take off, (Contillo) complied with the request,” according to the lawsuit.

A fatal flight for French bulldog

After the plane took off, Ash started having complications and began to “breathe very quickly and heavily, with noticeable anxiety,” according to the lawsuit, which says the dog was almost 4 years old.

Contillo tried to check on the dog by opening the dog carrier but alleges he was told by Alaska Airlines employees that the carrier had to be closed during the flight. The lawsuit says that Contillo saw that the dog had stopped moving but could not check on him until arriving in San Francisco.

By the time Contillo and his father got off the plane, “Ash’s body was entirely in rigor mortis,” the lawsuit says, adding that the men “immediately started to weep.”

Contillo is alleging negligence, emotional distress and a breach of contract against the airline in the lawsuit. No specific damages were listed in the suit, and it doesn’t mention whether an autopsy was conducted on Ash.

USA TODAY was reaching out to Contillo’s attorney to ask about whether an autopsy was conducted.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

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Alaska

Preparations in Anchorage ahead of the storm

Published

2 hours ago

October 28, 2024

Press Room

Preparations in Anchorage ahead of the storm

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Ahead of the city’s first major snowfall of 2024-2025, residents and business owners said on Sunday that life in Alaska is about dealing with and loving the snow.

The Municipality of Anchorage faced criticism after a record-breaking snow season in 2023-2024. Matters of snow removal became a top issue in the mayoral election and debates, ultimately being part of now-mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s platform. LaFrance said in the first 100 days of her office that several millions of dollars were invested into aging snow equipment.

Snow removal crews with the Alaska Department of Transportation have been preparing equipment for weeks and employees have switched to their winter schedules. Staff with JEFFCO Ground Maintenance, a private snow removal company, said they were feeling the adrenaline before being called out. The president of the company, Jeannie Schenderline, said their busy season also starts with equipment maintenance. Several of their plows had already been dispatched to Palmer and Wasilla as of early Sunday afternoon.

“We generally plow after hours, so things are pretty quiet in the middle of the night, but it’s sounding like this one’s going to come in during the daytime,” said Schenderline, pointing out that unpredictable timing is a major factor in keeping their clients happy. “It can be stressful for the operators. We want everybody to that’s out grocery shopping, to be able to get through the parking lots with minimal snow there for them.”

Anchorage residents interviewed by Alaska’s News Source on Sunday agreed with Schenderline that the first snowfall can bring uncertainty, even for long-time residents. Anchorage resident Max Romey said snow is a constant factor in Alaska and people can never be too careful.

“The carnage of the first day with snow is always pretty scary for everybody who doesn’t have snow tires or maybe just moved to Anchorage,” said Romey. “That’s always something to watch out for.”

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Alaska

US Man Sues Alaska Airlines After His Dog Dies During Flight

Published

14 hours ago

October 27, 2024

Press Room

US Man Sues Alaska Airlines After His Dog Dies During Flight

A lawsuit filed against Alaska Airlines alleges negligence in the death of a French bulldog during a flight from New York to San Francisco. Michael Contillo, a San Francisco resident, claims that his beloved pet, Ash, died due to the airline’s mishandling, the Independent reported.

Mr Contillo and his father had purchased first-class tickets to ensure ample space and comfort for their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora. Before the flight, both dogs were examined by a veterinarian and declared fit to fly. However, Alaska Airlines staff insisted on moving the passengers and their pets further back in the plane, citing safety concerns.

The sudden relocation caused significant distress to Ash, who began exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, including heavy panting and gasping for air. Mr Contillo was unable to monitor his pet during takeoff and landing due to airline regulations. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, Mr Contillo discovered that Ash had died.

The lawsuit highlights several key allegations against Alaska Airlines:

Negligence in Handling Brachycephalic Breeds: The airline allegedly failed to consider the specific needs of brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs, which are particularly vulnerable to respiratory problems during air travel.
Breach of Contract: The lawsuit claims that Alaska Airlines breached the contract by downgrading the passengers from first class without a valid reason.
Inadequate Staff Training: Mr Contillo alleges that the airline’s staff lacked proper training in handling animals, especially those with specific health concerns.

In addition to seeking financial compensation, Mr Contillo is also seeking punitive damages to hold Alaska Airlines accountable for its negligence. The lawsuit emphasizes the emotional distress caused by the loss of his pet and the airline’s lack of empathy following the incident.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has warned that brachycephalic breeds are at a higher risk of respiratory issues 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.

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Alaska

Alaska Sports Scoreboard: Oct. 26, 2024

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2024

Press Room

West senior Lars Robinson runs the ball during a 7-14 loss against Dimond during the State D1 football championship on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 at Colony High School in Palmer. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

High school

RIFLERY

Thursday

Eagle River 7, East 0

Eagle River 3278, East 2863

A team

Eagle River (1128) – Beirl A. 290-19, Floyd 285-16, Bell 277-8, Berg 276

East (1060) – Harstad-Bell 271-9, Woolley 267-9, Amel 262-3, Sobrepena 260-8

B team

Eagle River (1087) – Griedanus H 272-10, Bierl C. 272-9, Westman 272-6, Greidanus R. 271-9

East (985) – Yim 257-2, Vang 255-4, Sabado 251-6, Deitz 222-2

C team

Eagle River (1063) – Merrstein 268-10, King 265-1, Jacobs 265-8, Davies 265-7

East (818) – Barrios 214-5, Crockett 207, Kiunya 202, Kierra 195

Friday

Service 7, Dimond 0

Service 3,315; Dimond 3,205

A team

Service (1,143)— Riffe 293, Hoppe 284, Flatt 284, Nickerson 282

Dimond (1,105)— Humphries 277, Delmendo 277, Lin 276, Coonrad 275

B team

Service (1,099) — Suralta 277, Peterson 276, Miller, C 273, Conway 273

Dimond (1,069) — Snyder 273, Koloski 270, Collins 263, Kain-Patterson 263

C team

Service (1,073) — Olson 270, Gunn 270, Osborn 269, Nelson 264

Dimond (1,031) — Beirne 260, Larson 260, Kawashima 259, Elsberry 252

• • •

VOLLEYBALL

Monday

Cook Inlet Academy 3, Ninilchik 0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-17)

Wasilla 3, West 0

Tuesday

Birchwood Christian 3, Susitna Valley 1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19)

Kenai Central 3, Nikiski 1 (24-26, 25-16, 25-16, 25-19)

Grace Christian 3, Houston 0 (25-13, 25-16, 26-24)

Dimond 3, West 0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-18)

South 3, Eagle River 0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-14)

Service 3, Bartlett 1 (26-24, 18-25, 25-15, 25-8)

East 3, Chugiak 0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-22)

Thursday

Seward 3, Homer 0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-17)

Mountain City 3, Houston 0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-17)

Wasilla 3, West Valley 0

Palmer 3, North Pole 0 (25-7, 25-15, 25-21)

East 3, Juneau 0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-22)

Friday

Dimond 1, Colony 1 (23-25, 25-11)

Colony 2, Juneau-Douglas 0

Palmer 2, West 0 (25-17, 25-8)

Palmer 2, Valdez 0 (25-18, 25-20)

Colony 2, Grace Christian 0 (25-13, 25-16)

Susitna Valley 3, Cook Inlet Academy 0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-13)

Palmer 2, West Valley 0 (25-22, 25-14)

Kenai Central 2, Lathrop 0 (25-12, 25-18)

South 2, North Pole 0 ( 25-16, 25-8)

Service 1, Palmer (14-25, 25-20)

Colony 2, Kodiak 0 (25-10, 25-11)

Lathrop 2, Bartlett 0 (25-15, 25-19)

• • •

FOOTBALL

Friday

Dimond 14, West 7

Saturday

Soldotna 49, Lathrop 28

• • •

College

VOLLEYBALL

Thursday

UAF 3, Saint Martin’s 2 (25-12, 25-21, 20-25, 25-27, 19-17)

Western Oregon 3, UAA 0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)

Saturday

UAA 3, Saint Martin’s 0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-22)

UAF v. Western Oregon (Late)

• • •

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Friday

UAA 80, Warner Pacific 55

Saturday

UAA v. Warner Pacific (Late)

• • •

HOCKEY

Friday

Colorado College 2, UAA 1

Saturday

UAA v. Colorado College (Late)

• • •

NAHL

Friday

Anchorage Wolverines 6, Wisconsin Windigo 3

Saturday

Anchorage Wolverines v. Wisconsin Windigo (Late)

• • •

Frightening 4K Results

Women

1. Hailee Giacobbe, Wasilla, AK 13:53; 2. Allison Macy, Chugiak, AK 15:47; 3. Rachel Fairbanks, Anchorage, AK 15:55; 4. Emily Urlacher-Kirkham, Anchorage, AK 16:11; 5. Kyra Walter, Eagle River, AK 16:30; 6. Katie Gatica, Palmer, AK 16:50; 7. Kristin Riall, Anchorage, AK 16:56; 8. Lane Messing, Anchorage, AK 17:00; 9. Jessica Shaffer, Alexandria, VA 17:55; 10. Ellen Kruchoski, Eagle River, AK 18:04; 11. Delia Neroda, Anchorage, AK 18:10; 12. Lindsay Maffei, Windham, NH 18:15; 13. Kaitlyn Michel, Jber, AK 18:32; 14. Grace Volmer, Anchorage, AK 19:18; 15. Mikayla Kalicin, Wasilla, AK 19:27; 16. Jill Duke, Eagle River, AK 19:47; 17. Kelsey Schwartz, Palmer, AK 19:57; 18. Savannah Mccarney, Anchorage, AK 20:04; 19. Aimee O’Neil, Anchorage, AK 20:11; 20. Brie Mahoney, Eagle River, AK 20:17

Men

1. Chris Osiensky, Anchorage, AK 11:48; 2. Dash Dicang, Anchorage, AK 13:20; 3. Josean Olivieri, Eagle River, AK 13:49; 4. Jared Kirkham, Anchorage, WA 14:03; 5. Matthew Varney, Eagle River, AK 14:13; 6. Maxim Macy, Chugiak, AK 14:54; 7. Jack Schamber, Eagle River, AK 15:16; 8. Grant Ellingson, Anchorage, AK 15:20; 9. Carlos Glines, Reno, NV 15:41; 10. Tucker Nakken, Eagle River, Ak, AK 15:48; 11. Connor Woodley, Eagle River, AK 16:24; 12. Daniel Confalone, Anchorage, AK 16:29; 13. Zach Blanton, Anchorage, AK 16:30; 14. Gianfranco De Marzo, Anchorage, AK 16:33; 15. Josiah Thompson, Anchorage, AK 16:36; 16. Reubin Williams, Anchorage, AK 16:36; 17. Oliver Casurella, Anchorage, AK 16:36; 18. Haro Ross, Anchorage, AK 16:36; 19. Reyce Lee, Anchorage, AK 16:42; 20. Griffin Walter, Eagle River, AK 16:49

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