Troubling discovery at Orlando airport: Dog found drowned in bathroom

ORLANDO, Fla. – An arrest affidavit reveals new details on a disturbing case of animal cruelty at Orlando International Airport.

Alison Agatha Lawrence, 57, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, following the death of her dog.

The incident took place on December 16, 2024, when a woman from Clermont tried to fly with her dog but was refused entry onto the plane because of incorrect documentation, as stated by the Orlando police.

As per the report, Lawrence supposedly drowned her dog in an airport restroom after she was not allowed to board the plane. The dog was later discovered dead in a garbage bag by an airport staff member, who then informed their superior about the situation.

The staff member mentioned that she witnessed Lawrence “on her knees, wiping up a significant amount of water and dog food from the bathroom stall for the handicapped,” according to the affidavit.

A necropsy later confirmed that the dog died from drowning.

Surveillance footage captured Lawrence entering the airport with her dog, Tywinn, and later exiting the bathroom without the dog and then later seen at her gate. Police said the footage, along with witness statements, led to the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Lawrence’s actions have sparked outrage, emphasizing the importance of ethical alternatives for pet owners facing travel restrictions. A detective investigating the case noted that Lawrence had other options, such as re-homing or surrendering the dog to a shelter.

State Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach filed Senate Bill 502 that would create stricter penalties for animal cruelty cases.

Animal cruelty charges in Florida can result in up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.