RAIMONDA BURKAUSKAITE FROM KING’S LYNN FACES JUSTICE FOR DOG'S SUFFERING AND DRINK-DRIVING INCIDENT

Raimonda Burkauskaite, a resident of King’s Lynn, has been convicted of serious neglect and dangerous driving, highlighting a troubling case of animal cruelty and reckless behavior. Born around 1985, Burkauskaite resides at 20 Le Strange Avenue in King’s Lynn, PE30 2PG. Her case drew significant attention after it was revealed that she failed to seek veterinary assistance for her beloved Yorkshire terrier, Gucci, who suffered a severe injury that ultimately led to the amputation of his leg.

Gucci, a small dog that had been in Burkauskaite’s care for eight years, sustained a fracture to his front leg. Despite the obvious pain and distress, Burkauskaite did not take any action to help her pet for a period of six weeks. The RSPCA intervened only after the dog was suffering greatly, and by then, the injury was beyond saving. The dog’s leg had to be amputated, a heartbreaking outcome that underscored the neglect involved in this case.

During police investigations, Burkauskaite explained that she could not afford the approximately £1,000 veterinary bill needed for Gucci’s treatment. She claimed that she was advised by authorities that charities could assist with such costs, but she did not pursue this option. The situation worsened when, a week later, Burkauskaite was arrested for a separate offence—drink-driving. Police found her almost four times over the legal alcohol limit, and she was stopped on Wisbech Road at around 2:30 pm on April 17. She was driving with her headlights on full beam and failed a roadside breath test, which recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 134 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, far exceeding the legal limit of 35.

In court, the prosecution, represented by Jonathan Eales for the RSPCA, emphasized the gravity of the neglect and the cruelty involved. He pointed out that Burkauskaite, who owned Gucci for nearly a decade, was unaware of how her dog had suffered the fracture, but witnesses confirmed that Gucci was heard yelping in pain. Despite this, Burkauskaite did not seek veterinary help for her pet during the six-week period, which the prosecution described as a clear failure to act.

Mr. Eales expressed frustration that help was available and that police officers had advised her of this, yet she chose not to pursue assistance. The court was told that her neglect resulted in unnecessary suffering for Gucci, a situation that could have been avoided had she acted promptly.

Regarding the drink-driving offence, Andrew Cogan, representing Burkauskaite, explained that her actions were driven by severe depression. He described her decision to drive as