Introduction
A 56-year-old New Jersey man, Jeffrey Lentz, has been charged with animal cruelty and weapons offenses after police allege he shot his stepdaughter’s one-year-old French bulldog, Ruby, in the face last October. The case has drawn public outrage, with protesters demanding a maximum sentence and a return of the dog’s life.
At a Glance
- Jeffrey Lentz is accused of shooting Ruby, the stepdaughter’s dog, in October.
- He rejected a plea deal that would have sent him to prison for five years.
- The case will now go to a jury trial, with a scheduled hearing on March 16.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights concerns over pet safety and the legal response to animal violence.
The Allegations
Police say Lentz fired a single round into Ruby’s face while he and his wife were caring for the dog. The shooting occurred when Lentz’s stepdaughter, Nicole Guarino, and her husband were attending a wedding.
> “I trusted them. What daughter wouldn’t trust her parents?” the dog’s owner told Jersey Online.
According to investigators, a veterinarian later confirmed a bullet lodged in Ruby’s jaw. Lentz initially claimed the dog had been injured in an animal attack, but authorities contradicted his story.
Lentz was arrested in November 2025 and charged with:
- Animal cruelty
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Possession of a large-capacity magazine
These charges stem from the alleged use of a firearm in a non-violent context, which is illegal under New Jersey law.
Legal Proceedings
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office had offered Lentz a plea deal that would have required a five-year prison sentence in exchange for pleading guilty to the weapons and animal cruelty charges. Lentz declined.
> “She wasn’t property. She was family,” the dog’s owner said, according to Jersey Online.
The decision to reject the plea means the case will proceed to a jury trial. Lentz’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 16.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October (last year) | Alleged shooting of Ruby |
| November 2025 | Lentz arrested and charged |
| Early March | Protesters rally outside courthouse |
| March 16 | Jury trial scheduled |
Public Response
More than 50 protesters gathered outside the Ocean County courthouse earlier this month to demand a strict sentence for Lentz. Signs read “Justice 4 Ruby” and called for a maximum penalty.
> “All I want is my dog back and she’s not coming back,” Nicole Guarino told News 12 in a tearful interview outside the prosecutor’s office.
Guarino and her husband, Nick, expressed frustration that the dog’s mother and stepfather had not explained what happened to Ruby while they were away.
> “We just generally want to make sure that this could never happen again to anyone else with a fur baby at home,” Nick said.
The protesters’ rally emphasized the emotional impact on families who consider pets as part of the household.
Next Steps
The case will now be heard by a jury. If convicted, Lentz could face significant prison time, especially given the animal cruelty charge. The outcome may set a precedent for how New Jersey courts handle similar incidents involving pets.
Law enforcement officials have stated that they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Meanwhile, the community remains divided on the appropriate punishment.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey Lentz is charged with serious offenses after allegedly shooting Ruby.
- The case will proceed to a jury trial following the rejection of a plea deal.
- Public pressure and protests underscore the community’s demand for accountability.
- The legal outcome could influence future animal cruelty prosecutions in the state.
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