American family is barred on an international flight with a pet dog and seeks compensation from the airline

Last Monday (17), a family from Americana, a city located in the interior of São Paulo, went through an emblematic situation in order to be able to travel with their pet dog in the cabin of an aircraft with an international destination. It is worth mentioning that there was already a judicial authorization for the trip with the emotional support animal to be successful. Moving to Portugal, the family was barred by the airline TAP, at Guarulhos International Airport, in São Paulo.

According to the lawyer in charge of the process, Giovana Poker, the group never received any type of reimbursement for food and accommodation costs after the episode. The professional also reveals that the applicants had already sold the property in Brazil, so they had nowhere to shelter. In addition, they had the dog, 13 suitcases and a child.

It was only after the fulfillment of the second injunction, with 20 minutes left to close the boarding gate that the father, mother, daughter and pet were able to travel towards the European continent. Poker claims that in the face of resistance, even with the court decision in hand, the police had to be called. However, boarding was authorized before the officers arrived on site.

controversies

Logan, the French bulldog breed, was at risk of death if he was transported in the hold of the aircraft. This is because he is brachycephalic, that is, he has a condition that causes problems with heat regulation and breathing problems. He offers emotional support to his father and daughter as they both suffer from anxiety disorder.

The injunction was obtained with the presentation of the father’s medical prescription and psychiatric report, as well as the psychological report of the nine-year-old girl. There was even a need for proof of the physical health of the dog, with a certificate of exams and vaccines. It is important to emphasize that it did not pose a risk of contagion to other animals or humans.

TAP plane (Photo: Reproduction/TAP Air Portugal)

Retraction

The company recanted in a note. Check it out in full:

“There are worldwide guidelines that must be complied with by airlines that aim at the safety of passengers that aim at the safety of passengers on board. The entry of dogs on an aircraft is no exception. In this specific case, since the dog did not meet the requirements, it is up to the captain to decide whether or not the animal can travel in the cabin. This decision is always evaluated taking into account the safety of passengers. The boarding of the dog was authorized by the flight commander, as required by applicable legislation“, said TAP.

Due to the stress, the family wants to file a lawsuit for material and moral damages against TAP.

Featured Photo: Logan, French bulldog. Reproduction/social networks