Woman drowns her dog at Florida airport after being denied boarding with pet

A woman was arrested months after she allegedly drowned her dog at Orlando International Airport in Florida. She reportedly took this extreme step after being denied permission to board a flight with her pet due to missing paperwork.

Incident at Orlando Airport

The accused, Alison Lawrence, 57, arrived at the airport on December 16, 2024, with her dog, Tywinn. She was scheduled to fly to Colombia but was informed that she didn’t have the proper documents for her pet to travel. Shortly after, an airport staff member discovered a dead dog in the women’s restroom. Authorities were called, and an investigation confirmed that the dog had been drowned.

Months later, on March 18, 2025, Orlando Police arrested Lawrence and charged her with aggravated animal cruelty. She was released on a $5,000 bond.

The news of the incident has shocked people on social media. Many users expressed anger, calling the act cruel and unnecessary. Some suggested that instead of harming the dog, the woman could have found other options, such as pet hotels or shelters.

Animal rights activists also condemned the incident. Bryan Wilson from the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida stated that drowning a pet over a flight issue was unthinkable. He emphasized that animals are not objects and should not be treated as disposable items.

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Lawmakers call for stricter Animal Protection Laws

Following the incident, Florida State Senator Tom Leek addressed the issue. He referred to his proposed Senate Bill 502, which aims to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty. He expressed his commitment to passing the bill to ensure better protection for animals.

The case has sparked discussions about animal welfare laws and the need for stricter punishments for those who harm pets. Authorities continue to monitor the case as it moves through the legal system.