European court of justice asked to intervene after dog was lost on journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona
Pets on flights can be classified as baggage, the European court of justice (ECJ) has ruled, meaning airlines are not required to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost.
Europe’s highest court was asked to intervene after a dog was lost during a journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, triggering a claim for losses from the owner.
The court heard that the passenger and her mother checked into the flight with the dog, Mona, who was put in a special pet crate for the flight.
However, the dog escaped while it was being taken to the plane and was never recovered, prompting a claim of €5,000 (£4,340) for “non-material damage” by the passenger and a six-year court case.
