A 35-year-old veterinarian, Dr. John Ellis, died in UK after administering drugs used for animal euthanasia on himself. Dr Ellis was struggling with the emotional toll of his work, The Independent reported.
Dr Ellis’ mother, Tina Ellis, a Conservative councillor, testified that her son was disturbed by pet owners who prioritized material possessions over their animals’ well-being.
“When I’ve got somebody saying they won’t pay to help their animal and they’re sitting there with a brand new car outside, and other people who were really struggling [financially] would do anything to save their animals, but there was nothing they could do because it was already too late,” Ellis recalled her son saying. She added, “He was finding that destroying.”
Adding to his distress, Dr Ellis was reportedly leading a complicated personal life, involving a long-term partner and another romantic interest.
In November 2022, Dr Ellis told his mother he planned to end his 12-year relationship. He then acquired the euthanasia drugs from Animed, a veterinary practice, under the pretense of euthanizing a friend’s dog.
After obtaining the drugs, Dr Ellis contacted both his partner and the other individual involved in his life. He was later found in the bathroom of a friend’s house and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.