A VET took his own life after being harassed by “wealthy” owners asking him to shelter their pets instead of paying for treatment.
dr. John Ellis, 35, was upset that people with “brand new” cars parked outside his surgery were unwilling to fork out to help their pets.
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Hampshire vet Dr John Ellis took his own life after being harassed by “wealthy” owners who asked him to put their pets down Credit: Solent
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An inquest into his death heard that John felt it was ‘devastating’ when it was too late to treat the animalsCredit: Instagram
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Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that John was experiencing significant stress at the time of his deathCredit: Instagram
His mother Tina Ellis told the inquest into the Hampshire vet’s death that he found it “devastating”.
In contrast, John told Tina that clients who couldn’t afford treatment often brought their pets in too late for anything to be done.
Winchester Coroner’s Court heard John was experiencing significant stress at the time of his death in November 2022.
Tina told the inquest her son said: “The owners are leaving too late to come in.
“They didn’t seek help early enough for things that could have been very simple.”
He told her, “I have someone who says they won’t pay to help their animal, and they’re sitting outside with a brand new car.
“Other people who really struggled would do anything to save their animals.
Tina added: “But there was nothing they could do because it was too late. He found it devastating.”
The inquest heard that John had relationship problems because he was unfaithful to his partner.
Before his death, he told his mother that he had trouble sleeping and that he was under financial pressure.
Sometimes he would sleep in his car when he was on call rather than go home and have to drive to emergency vets, Tina said.
She said: “All these things built up completely and it was difficult for him.”
The inquest heard that John was leading a “double life” – as he secretly cheated on his long-term partner.
On November 6, 2022, police found John at the home of a friend who was on holiday in Tenerife at the time.
He was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester but was pronounced dead in the early hours of November 7.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Assistant Coroner for Hampshire Simon Burge said John’s death was “a great loss of a talented life”.
He added: “It is a great sadness for the family and all his friends that he hastily and unnecessarily made the decision he did.
“He did it in the context of relationship problems in more than one relationship.
“This was associated with significant stress involved in the residence, due to the financial pressures that were caused.”
John’s family shared a tribute to him through the suicide charity Amparo.
They said: “Those who knew John will remember him not only for his professional expertise, but also for his warmth, generosity and genuine love of animals.
“He put his heart into his work, and his absence leaves a deep void in the lives of all who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him personally.
“As a family, we are devastated by the loss of John and continue to struggle with the heartbreak and shock that comes with the death of someone so young and full of potential.
“We want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may be struggling with mental health issues to seek support and not suffer in silence.
“No one should feel like they are alone and we urge everyone to reach out for help if they are in need.”
If you are affected by any of the problems mentioned in this article, call Samaritans for free on 116123.
You are not alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It does not discriminate, it touches the lives of people in all corners of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and football players.
It is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, deadlier than cancer and traffic accidents.
And men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
Yet it’s rarely talked about, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage if we don’t all stop and pay attention now.
That’s why The Sun launched the You Are Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all help save lives.
Let’s all pledge to ask for help when we need it, and listen to others… You are not alone.
If you or anyone you know needs help with mental health issues, the following organizations offer support:
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