A woman was arrested Tuesday after an investigation tied her to a dead animal found in a toilet at Orlando International Airport in December, Orlando police reported.
Alison Agatha Lawrence, 57, was taken into custody in Clermont on charges of aggravated animal cruelty (three-degree felony) by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, according to a statement by Orlando Police Department. Lawrence is currently in custody at the Lake County Jail, according to jail records.
WFTV reported Wednesday that Lawrence allegedly owned a dog in the airport bathroom, citing an unnamed source. She was about to board the flight, but she lacked the necessary documents to board the plane, a source told the TV station.
Police told the Orlando Sentinel Wednesday that security guards responded to the airport on Dec. 16 in connection with a dead animal found by an employee in a public female toilet in front of a security checkpoint. Police said the investigation linked Lawrence to the incident.
No other information about the incident was provided by the agency, such as what types of animals were found.
Airport spokesman Angela Stark said there is no details to share about the incident. The airport recommends that passengers visit the TSA website to learn how to travel with their small pets. The Flymco website also offers information for pet owners.
State Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, said in a news release on WFTV’s reporting that the case is an example of why his bill to strengthen criminal penalties for animal cruelty crimes was passed and signed into law. Leek introduced the bill, SB 502, on March 4th.
“This is another horrifying example of why I introduced reasons related to animal cruelty (the bill) and will strengthen criminal penalties for people who harm innocent animals,” Leek said.
