Clermont Woman Arrested for Drowning Dog at Airport

Alison Agatha Lawrence, a 57-year-old woman from Clermont, Florida, was arrested for allegedly drowning her dog in a restroom at Orlando International Airport after being told she could not board a flight to Colombia due to missing paperwork for the pet. The incident occurred on December 16, 2024, and the dog's body was later discovered in a trash bin by an airport employee, leading to Lawrence's arrest on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty. Surveillance footage showed Lawrence with her dog upon arriving at the airport and leaving the restroom without it, and her identity was confirmed through the dog's tags and microchip. Lawrence has posted a $5,000 bond following her arrest but faces significant public backlash and calls for harsher punishment from animal rights advocates. This incident has raised awareness about the need for ethical alternatives for pet owners facing travel restrictions, such as pet hotels or temporary care options. The case underscores the importance of having the proper documentation when traveling with pets and highlights broader concerns about animal cruelty.