Berkeley township police department vehicle - file photo — Berkeley Township Police Department vehicle - file photo

Police launched the case after responding to a call on Lyford Court on October 3 regarding the injury to the dog, Ruby.

Veterinary findings later revealed what appeared to be a gunshot wound with a bullet lodged in the dog’s jaw.

Key Points

Police determined a French bulldog found injured in October had been shot
Investigators charged a 56-year-old Berkeley man in connection with the death
The suspect was arrested on a complaint-warrant and taken to the county jail

Ruby had been left at a family member’s home to be watched by Jeffrey Lentz, according to the initial report provided to officers that evening.

The owners were notified soon after that the dog had been injured and later died from the wound.

A necropsy was ordered through the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostics Lab in Trenton to document injuries and assist investigators.

Detectives uncover cause of fatal injury

Berkeley Township detectives and Humane Law Enforcement officers reviewed veterinary evidence, interviewed involved parties, and examined the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Their findings indicated the dog had been struck by a fired round, prompting consultation with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office regarding potential charges.

Following the review, investigators concluded that Lentz had unlawfully discharged a firearm, causing the fatal injury.

Suspect arrested after charges issued

Authorities charged Lentz, 56, of Berkeley, with animal cruelty, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

The charges were placed on a complaint-warrant, and on November 3 Lentz was taken into custody and remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.

Police said the investigation remains active as the case proceeds through the judicial system.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.