Sen. Tom Leek reaffirmed his commitment on Wednesday to a bill that would increase penalties for animal cruelty offenders after a woman allegedly drowned her dog before boarding her flight at Orlando International Airport.
Sen. Leek shared a statement after the horrific incident.
“This is yet another horrible example of why I filed Senate Bill 502: (Animal Cruelty Offences) related to animal cruelty, which strengthens criminal penalties for those who do harm to innocent animals," Leek said. "It is my commitment to have this good bill pass the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives and sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.”
According to a report from Channel 9 Eyewitness News, a woman was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after killing her dog in the airport bathroom. The woman, identified as Alison Agatha Lawrence, allegedly drowned the dog at Orlando International Airport.
The report said Alison Agatha Lawrence was trying to board her flight but didn’t have the right paperwork to take the dog on the plane.
Under SB 502, individuals convicted of the primary offense of animal cruelty to a domestic animal would have their sentence points multiplied by 1.25, per the Florida Criminal Punishment Code. The bill defines the term "domestic animal" as common house pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and hamsters.
Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) sponsored a similar House version.
“Abuse against helpless animals is one of the most heinous acts that can be committed, and punishment for a perpetrator should be swift and severe,” Sen. Leek said in a prior statement. “I am proud to continue my work in addressing animal cruelty in the state of Florida by strengthening penalties for those who prey upon domestic animals.”
If fully passed, SB 502 would take effect upon becoming a law.
