Empire State Review Team 
Florida Woman Arrested for Alleged Cruelty After Dog Found Dead in Airport Bathroom
A woman from Florida has been taken into custody under suspicion of animal cruelty, following the discovery of a dead dog in a bathroom at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The Orlando Police Department reported the incident, which occurred months prior, raising significant concerns about pet travel regulations.
Details of the Incident
Law enforcement authorities responded to a call on December 16, 2024, regarding an employee’s discovery of a deceased canine in the women’s bathroom of the airport, prior to the security checkpoint. According to police, an airport employee had initially noticed a woman in one of the stalls for an extended period, seemingly cleaning up a mess that included large amounts of water and dog food.
Upon returning approximately 20 minutes later, the same employee discovered a weighty trash bag containing not only the lifeless body of a white dog but also several pet items, such as a leash, collar, and dog tag. The circumstances surrounding the dog’s presence raised immediate red flags.
Cause of Death Investigated
An examination of the dog’s body revealed it was warm and wet, leading investigators to suspect it had drowned or been submerged in water. A necropsy conducted later confirmed these suspicions, identifying drowning as the probable cause of death.
Background on the Suspect: Alison Agatha Lawrence
The woman arrested, Alison Agatha Lawrence, was apparently attempting to travel with her dog to Colombia, with plans for further travel to Ecuador. However, Lawrence lacked the required documentation to bring her dog on board the aircraft. Surveillance footage captured her interactions with airline employees, during which she was informed that her pet could not be taken on the flight due to inadequate paperwork.
Due to this unfortunate turn, it is alleged that Lawrence took drastic and tragic measures, resulting in the dog’s death. Following the incident, she proceeded to board her flight to Colombia.
Legal Repercussions and Arrest Details
On March 18, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued, and Lawrence was apprehended in Clermont, Florida. She was booked into the Lake County jail under the charge of third-degree animal cruelty, with bail set at $5,000. Authorities noted discrepancies in the names she used; however, one matched the name on the dog’s tag as well as the passport she presented at the airport.
Lawrence is expected to face extradition from Lake County to Orange County for further proceedings. Inquiries suggest the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Traveling with Pets: Essential Guidelines
Traveling with pets, particularly across international borders, necessitates adherence to specific guidelines. In the case of dogs traveling from the U.S. to Colombia, essential requirements typically include:
- A valid health certificate
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- Parasite treatment
- Microchip identification
- Inspection upon arrival in Colombia
- Payment of any import fees
Non-compliance with these regulations may result in denial of boarding for both the pet and its owner.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Alison Agatha Lawrence serves as a grave reminder of the necessity for pet owners to be informed about and compliant with travel regulations when flying with animals. As the investigation unfolds, many are left questioning the ethical responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
For further information on pet travel and safety protocols, refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.
