A flight destined for Lisbon was canceled at the Rio de Janeiro – Galeão International Airport on Saturday afternoon following the intervention of the Brazilian Federal Police. The cancellation occurred after the crew refused to allow a service dog to board with a passenger, despite a court order requiring that the animal be permitted to travel in the cabin.
Carlos Antunes, the director of TAP for Brazil, explained that the 35-kilogram animal was considered an emotional support dog. The dog was not accompanying a person with a disability and lacked a valid certification.
Despite the court order, TAP decided against permitting the dog on board, citing that it would “violate the company’s flight operations manual,” Antunes elaborated.
He noted that the option of transporting the animal in the cargo hold was offered but was refused by the passenger.
The passenger, identified as Hayanne, told g1 that she was trying to transport Tedy to her 12-year-old sister, who has autism and has been in Lisbon for a month and a half.
“We just need permission to board. I need to take Tedy to my sister. She is unwell, stressed. The dog has already lost five kilograms being away from her,” she expressed.
Hayanne reportedly faced similar issues with boarding on another flight and planned to attempt again on Monday. However, the court order allowing the dog’s travel expired on Sunday.
The issue dates back to April 8, when the parents, the child, and the dog initially flew to Portugal. At that time, TAP had also denied boarding for Tedy. On May 16, a judge issued an order for the dog to travel with Hayanne.
The dog had previously accompanied the girl on a trip to Orlando, United States, where it was trained to remain calm for extended periods.
