A woman from Florida is facing charges of animal cruelty after a disturbing incident at the Orlando International Airport (MCO), where her dog was discovered dead in a bathroom. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation began months prior when staff found the deceased animal.

Discovery of the Deceased Dog

On December 16, 2024, Orlando police responded to a report concerning a dead animal found in a women’s restroom situated before the airport security checkpoint. The discovery was made by an airport employee who noted that a woman had been occupying a stall for an unusually long time and seemed to be cleaning up an unusual amount of water and dog food from the floor.

Upon returning to the restroom later, the employee found a heavy trash bag that contained a deceased white dog, along with various dog supplies such as a leash and a collar. The circumstances prompted an immediate investigation.

Cause of Death and Investigation Details

Following the retrieval of the dog’s body, a necropsy was conducted, indicating that the cause of death was likely drowning. The dog was noted to be wet and warm when discovered, supporting claims of recent trauma.

Background of the Incident

The accused, Alison Agatha Lawrence, was attempting to board a flight to Colombia, with a subsequent connection to Ecuador, at the time of the incident. Reports suggest she was denied boarding for her dog due to a lack of necessary travel documentation.

Authorities indicated that, in response to being unable to take her pet on the flight, Lawrence may have taken drastic actions resulting in the dog’s death. Surveillance footage revealed her interactions with airline staff regarding her pet prior to the incident.

Legal Actions and Charges

An arrest warrant was issued for Lawrence, leading to her apprehension on March 18, 2025, in Clermont, Florida. She was charged with third-degree animal cruelty and is currently being held in custody with a bond set at $5,000. Extradition to Orange County is pending.

Comments from Authorities

Representatives from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement during this investigation. They also urged travelers to consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for guidelines regarding pet travel.

Travel Requirements for Pets

Anyone traveling with pets, particularly dogs, from the U.S. to Colombia must adhere to specific regulations, which include:

• Health certificate
• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Parasite treatment
• Microchip identification
• Post-arrival inspection in Colombia
• Applicable import fees

Failure to meet these standards may result in denial of boarding privileges.