Warning: This article contains discussion of animal cruelty that may be upsetting to some readers.
An appalling situation unfolded at an airport when a staff member discovered something distressing in a dumpster after a woman was refused permission to fly with her pet dog.
On December 16, 2024, Alison Agatha Lawrence from Clermont, Florida, attempted to board a plane at Orlando International Airport but was reportedly denied due to a lack of appropriate paperwork for her dog.
It is alleged that the 57-year-old chose to proceed with her travel plans regardless, resulting in the tragic drowning of the dog in a public restroom before the security checkpoint, with its body subsequently discarded in the trash.
The grim discovery was made by an airport worker who then informed a supervisor and the Orlando Police Department.
According to a police statement, the employee reported witnessing a woman ‘on her knees cleaning up a lot of water and a lot of dog food of the bathroom handicapped stall’.
A medical examination confirmed that the dog had drowned.
Surveillance footage captured Lawrence exiting the women’s restroom without the dog and seen at the boarding gate of her flight.
Lawrence was subsequently taken into custody for aggravated animal abuse at her residence on Tuesday, March 18, and was released from Lake County Jail after posting a $5,000 bail, as reported by People.
In Florida, convictions for animal cruelty can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of $10,000.
Neighbors Roy and Janet Fernandes spoke to WFTV, noting that they hadn’t noticed the small dog for some time.
Janet mentioned her husband’s observation: “‘I don’t know why we haven’t seen the lady with the little white dog lately.’ And then we hear this sad story.”
The couple also recounted witnessing the police activity at Lawrence’s home during her arrest.
Janet recalled, “I kept looking out, wondering what was going on.”
“Then they left, then they came back. He said he heard a commotion going on outside. That must have been when they arrested her.”
In a statement, State Senator Tom Leek commented: “This is yet another horrible example of why I filed Senate Bill 502: (Animal Cruelty Offenses) related to animal cruelty, which strengthens criminal penalties for those who do harm to innocent animals.
“It is my commitment to have this good bill pass the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives and sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.”
If you witness an animal in distress or suspect a crime, dial 911 immediately. You can also find contact information for animal abuse investigation agencies by state here.