A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged from Orlando International Airport, where a Florida woman allegedly killed her own dog to avoid missing her flight. The incident, which occurred in December 2024, has sparked widespread outrage after authorities uncovered disturbing details.
On December 16, 2024, 57-year-old Alison Lawrence arrived at Orlando International Airport with her nine-year-old miniature schnauzer, Tywinn. She planned to fly to Colombia and then Ecuador but was told by Latam Airlines that she couldn’t bring her dog due to missing paperwork. Surveillance footage showed Lawrence speaking with an airline agent for about 15 minutes before taking her dog into an airport bathroom. Twenty minutes later, she walked out—without the dog. She briefly left the terminal, returned, and proceeded through security to board her flight.
Shortly after Lawrence left, a janitor entered the bathroom and found Tywinn’s lifeless body stuffed inside a trash can. Nearby were the dog’s vest, collar, rabies tag, and a travel bag with Lawrence’s contact information. A later autopsy confirmed the dog had been drowned. After months of investigation, authorities traced the dog’s microchip to Lawrence and arrested her on March 18, 2025. She was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony in Florida. However, she was released the same day after posting $5,000 bail—a decision that angered many, given the severity of the crime.
The case has triggered fierce backlash on social media, with many condemning Lawrence’s actions. Neighbors and animal rights advocates pointed out that she could have easily surrendered Tywinn to a shelter instead of killing him. Florida’s lenient animal cruelty laws have also come under fire, as offenders often face minimal consequences. Animal welfare groups argue that cases like this highlight the need for stricter penalties for animal abuse. While Lawrence may avoid significant jail time, the public’s reaction shows that many believe such cruelty deserves harsher punishment.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership—and the devastating consequences when those responsibilities are ignored.
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