In December 2024, a deeply troubling incident unfolded at Orlando International Airport involving a 57-year-old woman from Kenner, Louisiana, identified as Alison Agatha Lawrence. Lawrence was scheduled to fly to Colombia with her nine-year-old white miniature schnauzer, Tywinn. However, due to incomplete pet travel documentation, she was denied boarding. Subsequently, Lawrence allegedly drowned her dog in an airport restroom before proceeding with her travel plans.
The sequence of events began when Lawrence attempted to board a Latam Airlines flight to Colombia on December 16, 2024. Airline staff informed her that Tywinn could not accompany her due to missing necessary paperwork, specifically a veterinarian-issued health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate, as required for international pet travel.
Surveillance footage revealed that after a 15-minute discussion with the airline agent, Lawrence entered a restroom near the ticketing area with Tywinn. Approximately 20 minutes later, she exited the restroom without the dog. She then briefly left the terminal, returned, passed through security, and boarded her flight to Bogotá, Colombia, continuing later to Ecuador.
The grim discovery was made by a janitor who noticed Lawrence cleaning up water and dog food in the restroom stall. Upon entering the stall after Lawrence’s departure, the janitor found Tywinn’s lifeless body in a trash bag, accompanied by a companion vest, collar, rabies tag, and a bone-shaped dog tag bearing Lawrence’s contact information. A necropsy later confirmed that the dog had been drowned.
Following an investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and on March 18, 2025, Lawrence was apprehended in Lake County, Florida, on charges of aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. She was subsequently released on a $5,000 bail.
This incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists and the general public. Bryan Wilson of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida expressed profound shock, stating, “Obviously, we were shocked when we heard a woman had effectively drowned her companion animal all because she couldn’t get on a plane.”
The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to international travel regulations concerning pets. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority advises passengers to consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines when planning to travel with animals to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.
As the legal proceedings continue, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities inherent in pet ownership and the severe consequences of failing to meet them.
