Florida woman arrested for drowning dog in airport toilet after flight denial

A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly drowning her dog in a bathroom toilet at Orlando Airport after being denied boarding for her pet. According to the Orlando Police Department, the incident took place on December 16 last year, when airport staff found a deceased dog in a women’s restroom.

Following an investigation, Alison Agatha Lawrence, the dog's owner, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and a third-degree felony.

The Orlando Police Department said Lawrence attempted to board her flight with her dog but was informed by airline employees that she did not have the necessary paperwork for the animal.

This led to a confrontation, and surveillance footage shows Lawrence speaking with airline staff before being told her dog could not board. Authorities believe that she took action against her pet in a fit of frustration.

An airport employee, while attending to another task, noticed a bathroom stall in use for an unusually long time. When they returned, the restroom’s trash bag appeared heavier than usual.

Upon inspection, the employee found the deceased dog along with its collar, leash, and dog tag. A necropsy later confirmed that the dog likely died from drowning after being submerged in water.

Following the incident, Lawrence proceeded through airport security and boarded her flight to Colombia. Police tracked her down to Lake County, where she was arrested. She is currently being held on a $5,000 bond and will soon be extradited to Orange County.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) expressed full cooperation with law enforcement and reminded pet owners to review TSA guidelines before traveling with animals.