A Florida woman has been accused of aggravated animal cruelty after reportedly drowning her 9-year-old miniature schnauzer inside a bathroom at an airport after she was denied boarding on a flight because her dog’s travel documents were not present. The case has outraged people and renewed debate on animal rights and pet travel laws.
On Dec. 16, 2024, 57-year-old Clermont, Florida resident Alison Agatha Lawrence tried to take an international flight to Colombia from Orlando International Airport. She was informed, however, that she could not take her dog, Tywinn, with her since she lacked the health and rabies vaccination certificates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to travel internationally with pets.
Security cameras recorded Lawrence talking with a ticket agent and entering a nearby women’s restroom with her dog. She later came out alone from the restroom, which raised suspicion. An airport cleaner later found a heavy garbage bag with Tywinn’s dead body, as well as dog accessories, a short time later. It later emerged through a necropsy that the dog had drowned.
Despite her horrific act, Lawrence was allowed onto her flight to Colombia, later on her trip to Ecuador. An investigation took place, and a third-degree felony arrest warrant for her was issued. She was arrested on March 18, 2025, on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty when she returned to Florida. She posted a $5,000 bond on March 18 and was released.
Lawrence’s case has drawn a lot of publicity, with activists for animal rights condemning her actions and urging severe punishment for crimes against animals. Aggravated cruelty against animals is a third-degree felony according to Florida law, and is punishable with imprisonment for up to five years and a $10,000 fine.
Animal rights activists are premising this case on a call for increased control and vigilance on what is needed for pets to travel. Other countries that speak English, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, have also been entangled in controversy regarding this case because their laws regarding protection for animals differ in their strictness.
This case has led to growing calls for greater protection for pets and tougher punishment for cruelty against animals. Sanctions currently are not deemed severe enough to serve as a deterrent for such actions, activists claim, and they are campaigning through legislation for greater prison time and fines for offenders.
Vets and travel agencies are also emphasizing the importance of proper documentation for pets on travel, compelling owners to abide by regulations to avert unnecessary distress.
This is a sad reminder of what is expected from owners when they travel. Travel restrictions may be a hassle, but welfare comes first. Part of being a responsible owner is ensuring pets are treated with respect and dignity at all times.
