A killed himself with drugs usually used to euthanise as he was “destroyed” by rich clients asking for their animals to be put down.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard how Dr John Ellis, 35, was increasingly upset by wealthy clients who owned flash cars refusing to pay to save their furry friends. He also told his mother, Tina Ellis, how clients who could not afford treatment often brought their pets in too late for anything to be done to save them.

An inquest heard how he asked a veterinary nurse to give him the deadly medication by falsely claiming he needed it to put down a friend's 'large dog'.

Mrs Ellis, a Conservative councillor in Fareham, Hertfordshire, said: “Owners are leaving it too late to come in. They weren't seeking help early enough for things which could have been quite simple.

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“He said ‘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.

"He was finding that destroying."

Dr Ellis was a resident at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists at the time of his death, and told his mother he had been having sleeping troubles. He would sleep in his car sometimes when he was on call, rather than go home and have to drive to the vets in an emergency and was under financial pressure as well.

The inquest heard how Dr Ellis was found in his own home, and then taken to the Royal Hampshire County hospital in Winchester, but was pronounced dead in the early hours of November 7.

Dr Ellis's father Robert told the inquest the ease of access to the medication which killed his son made him feel as if his son had access to a 'loaded gun'. Recording a verdict of suicide Simon Burge, assistant coroner for Hampshire, said Dr Ellis's death was 'a huge waste of a talented life'.

He said: "It's a matter of great regret to the family and all his friends he should have rashly, unnecessarily made the decision that he did."

In a Prevention of Future Deaths report addressed to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Mr Burge warned about how Dr Ellis had been able to get hold of the drugs. He wrote: "He was able to access the drug, which he knew to be dangerous, without being challenged as to its purpose. Veterinary surgeons, such as the deceased, are able to easily access potentially lethal drugs... without any adequate controls being put in place to prevent their mis-use.

"He was given [the drug] by his former employers, without any checks having first been made to verify his account of why it was needed and without scrutiny by another veterinary surgeon."

In a statement shared by suicide charity Amparo, the family said: "Those who knew John will remember him not only for his professional expertise but also for his warmth, generosity, and genuine love for animals.

"He poured 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 we continue to grapple with the heartbreak and shock that come 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 challenges to seek support and not suffer in silence. No one should feel they are alone, and we urge everyone to reach out for help if they are in need."

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website