Lithuanian couple avoids prison for brutal attack on dog but must pay compensation

A Lithuanian court has sentenced a couple from Ariogala to non-custodial penalties for the brutal 2025 beating of their dog, Gausas, which later died from illness, LRT.lt reports. The pair avoided imprisonment but were ordered to pay €1,752.97 in veterinary costs and undergo alcohol prevention programs.

The Kelmė District Court ruled that 50-year-old Ilona Ščerbinskienė and 69-year-old Kęstutis Butkus will not serve prison time for the attack, which left the dog with severe head and neck injuries from at least 12 blows with a pickaxe. Ščerbinskienė received a 60-day suspended sentence, delayed for one year, while Butkus was given a one-year restricted freedom order. Both must participate in behavioral correction and alcohol prevention programs.

During the investigation, Ščerbinskienė initially admitted guilt but later claimed memory loss due to alcohol and medication, though she recalled Butkus bringing the pickaxe. Butkus confirmed holding the dog during the attack, admitting he was drunk and failed to intervene. The court also partially upheld a civil claim, ordering the couple to jointly cover the dog’s medical expenses.

Gausas, rescued after the assault and temporarily buried alive, became a symbol in Lithuania’s fight against animal cruelty. Though initially recovered under veterinary care and rehomed, the dog died in early 2026 from cancer. The ruling remains appealable.