James Middleton, the brother of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has recently shared an emotional plea on social media regarding what he described as his “worst nightmare.” Known for his deep love for dogs, James took to Instagram to express his distress over a missing dog incident involving a man named Ramón Alberto Piriz and his friend’s dog, Sombra.
According to James, Ramón was traveling from Argentina to Morocco with Sombra, who was required to travel in the cargo hold of the plane due to Air France’s cabin restrictions. During a stopover in Paris, Ramón was informed that Sombra had gone missing. This heartbreaking news led James to share the story with his 345,000 followers, urging them to support a petition calling for more action and accountability from Air France.
In his Instagram story, James expressed how devastating the situation was, particularly as someone who travels regularly with pets. He tagged the airline in his post and highlighted that this incident occurred around International Dog Day, adding to the poignancy of the situation.
The petition, which has been launched on behalf of Sombra’s owner, Cruz Novillo Astrada, claims that Cruz has not received any meaningful updates from Air France, leaving him in a state of distress. The petition demands that Air France provide any relevant footage, records, or communications that could help determine what happened to Sombra. It also calls for a thorough investigation by the airline, with the findings to be made public.
In response to Cruz’s inquiries, Air France has reportedly stated in emails that they are doing everything they can to locate Sombra, and have suggested he contact airport staff for assistance. However, frustration and despair continue to grow as the search for Sombra remains unresolved.
James Middleton, known for his advocacy on behalf of animals, has previously spoken about the importance of his pets in his own life, crediting his late dog, Ella, for helping him through some of the most challenging times. His heartfelt plea on social media reflects his continued commitment to animal welfare and his desire to support others facing similar losses.
This incident has not only struck a personal chord with James but also raised broader concerns about the safety and treatment of pets during air travel, prompting calls for improved protocols and transparency from airlines regarding the transport of animals.