Florida Woman Arrested for Allegedly Drowning Dog at Orlando Airport
A Florida woman is facing serious charges after allegedly drowning her miniature schnauzer, Tywinn, at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on December 16, 2024. Alison Agatha Lawrence was arrested on Tuesday in Lake County, Florida, and charged with aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. The arrest followed an investigation into the tragic discovery of Tywinn’s body in a bathroom trash can within the airport, prior to security checkpoints.
The arrest warrant affidavit, obtained by USA TODAY, details a disturbing sequence of events leading to Lawrence’s arrest. According to the document, Lawrence was at MCO preparing to board a flight to Colombia. She was accompanied by Tywinn, a nine-year-old miniature schnauzer whose microchip information later confirmed his identity.
The investigation revealed that Lawrence encountered difficulties in getting Tywinn approved for boarding the international flight. Information obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicated that specific paperwork is required for transporting animals internationally, particularly dogs. It appears Lawrence did not possess the necessary documentation, preventing Tywinn from being cleared for travel.
Surveillance footage from the airport played a crucial role in the investigation. The video showed Lawrence interacting with a Latam airline ticket counter agent for approximately 15 minutes. It is believed that this interaction involved attempts to resolve the issues with Tywinn’s travel documentation. After the interaction, the footage shows Lawrence entering a nearby bathroom with Tywinn. She is then seen exiting the bathroom approximately 15 minutes later, notably without the dog.
The discovery of Tywinn’s body was made by an airport employee during her routine cleaning duties. The employee entered the bathroom and observed a woman, later identified as Lawrence, inside the handicapped stall. According to the employee’s statement to the police, Lawrence was on her knees, cleaning up a significant amount of water and dog food from the floor. This observation immediately raised suspicions.
The employee returned to the stall after Lawrence had left. Upon attempting to remove the trash bag from the wall-mounted receptacle, she noticed it was unusually heavy. Upon further inspection, the employee made the grim discovery of Tywinn’s lifeless body inside the trash bag.
Police were immediately notified, and an investigation commenced. The police report indicated that Tywinn’s body appeared to be soaking wet. This observation further fueled suspicions of drowning. A necropsy, a post-mortem examination performed on animals, was conducted to determine the cause of death. The necropsy definitively concluded that Tywinn’s cause of death was drowning.
The arrest warrant affidavit explicitly states that "Killing a dog is illegal and morally wrong unless there is a justifiable reason and it is performed humanely." The affidavit further emphasizes that "Killing a dog for convenience (such as not being able to take it overseas) is not a legal defense." These statements highlight the legal and ethical implications of Lawrence’s alleged actions.
Following her arrest in Lake County, Lawrence was charged with aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony in Florida. She was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond on the same Tuesday. As of the report, information regarding Lawrence’s attorney was not immediately available, and her listed phone number appeared to be disconnected. Efforts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.
The case has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and the general public. Many have expressed shock and disbelief at the alleged cruelty displayed towards Tywinn. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments condemning Lawrence’s actions and demanding justice for Tywinn.
Animal rights organizations are closely monitoring the case and advocating for the maximum penalty allowed under Florida law. They emphasize the importance of holding individuals accountable for acts of animal abuse and ensuring that such incidents are not tolerated.
The FBI has also issued warnings regarding spring break travel risks, reminding travelers to maintain vigilance throughout their journeys. While this warning is unrelated to the specific case of Alison Lawrence, it underscores the importance of safety and awareness while traveling, both domestically and internationally.
The case against Alison Agatha Lawrence is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched as the justice system seeks to determine the truth and hold Lawrence accountable for her alleged actions. The tragic death of Tywinn serves as a call to action for stronger animal protection laws and increased awareness of the ethical responsibilities that come with owning a pet. The legal outcome remains uncertain, but the profound impact of this case on the community is undeniable, prompting renewed efforts to prevent animal cruelty and ensure the safety and well-being of all animals. The memory of Tywinn will likely serve as a catalyst for change, pushing for greater accountability and a stronger commitment to protecting vulnerable animals from harm.
