A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal abuse following allegations that she drowned her dog at Orlando International Airport. According to law enforcement, 56-year-old Alison Agatha Lawrence reportedly attempted to travel to Colombia on December 16, 2024, with her small, white dog named Tywinn but was allegedly denied boarding due to improper travel documentation.
Per an arrest warrant affidavit cited by USA TODAY, Tywinn’s lifeless body was discovered by an airport employee in a bathroom trash can located in a restricted area prior to security checks. The dog, a 9-year-old miniature schnauzer, was reportedly found soaking wet, leading investigators to suspect drowning as the cause of death.
Surveillance footage from the airport allegedly shows Lawrence speaking with an airline representative for roughly 15 minutes before she reportedly entered a restroom with the dog. The footage indicates she left the airport alone, without Tywinn. The timeline suggested by these events has prompted investigators to examine whether Lawrence remained in the restroom for an extended period under suspicious circumstances.
A cleaning employee described a disturbing scene upon encountering Lawrence in a handicapped stall. The worker claims she found water and dog food scattered on the floor, which Lawrence was allegedly scrubbing. Later, the employee discovered an unusually heavy trash bag containing Tywinn’s body.
A necropsy reportedly concluded that the dog died by drowning. The affidavit further states that “killing a dog is illegal and morally wrong unless there is a justifiable reason and it is performed humanely,” and clarifies that convenience—such as being unable to travel with a pet internationally—does not constitute a justifiable reason.
Lawrence was taken into custody in Lake County, Florida, on a third-degree felony charge of aggravated animal abuse. She has since been released on a ,000 bond. Authorities have not publicly shared information regarding her legal representation, and attempts to contact Lawrence through her listed phone number have been unsuccessful.
This incident has sparked dialogue about responsible pet ownership and the need for adherence to travel regulations intended to protect animals. Local animal welfare advocates have expressed outrage over Tywinn’s alleged treatment and are calling for due legal process and accountability.
As the case progresses, it underscores the responsibilities of pet owners, particularly when traveling with animals. The Florida State Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Tywinn’s death, and many are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings will unfold.