11/30/25

*THE FOLLOWING IS A STUDENT ARTICLE*

A Berkeley man was accused of fatally shooting french bulldog in the face.

A 56-year-old Berkeley Township man is facing animal cruelty charges after an investigation revealed he allegedly fatally shot a one-year old french bulldog left in his care, according to local police. Jeffrey Lentz was charged in a complaint on November 3 with animal cruelty, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and possession of a large-capacity magazine, police Captain Peter Larocca said in a news release.

The charges stem from a call placed to police on October 3 by the owner of Ruby, the young french bulldog. The caller reported that Ruby had been dropped off at a relative’s house on Lyford Court for Lentz to watch. The dog’s owner later received a call that Ruby had been injured and had succumbed to her injuries. Ruby’s death devastated the owners, Nicole and Nick Guarino.

“Nick and I wake up every day in the same nightmare,” Nicole Guarino said. “We just want our baby back. She was our best friend, and we will never forget her. We miss her so much and we will never be the same.” 

Authorities did not publicly provide a specific motive or reason for why Jeffrey Lentz of Berkeley Township, New Jersey, allegedly shot the one-year old French bulldog, Ruby. A veterinarian examination, including an X-ray, revealed a bullet lodged in the dog’s jawbone. A month-long police investigation concluded that Lentz had “unlawfully discharged a firearm at the dog, resulting in her death.” Lentz did not claim anything about the incident, but apparently apologized for his actions.