Animal lovers have been left worried after Phill the escaped water buffalo was shot and captured.
Phill had become popular in Iowa, stealing the hearts of neighbors with his spontaneous walks and adorable visits to the front door.
The water buffalo, named after Pleasant Hill, jumped on its owner on Saturday just before it was to be slaughtered.
The brave animal managed to escape to freedom and roamed the streets, until Wednesday, when it was captured by the police department, after a person called to alert them about the situation.
Police shot the animal in an attempt to catch it, and it was listed in stable condition at Iowa State University’s Large Animal Hospital before eventually being transferred to Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
Animal lovers have been left worried after Phill the escaped water buffalo was shot and captured.
Phill had become popular in Iowa, stealing the hearts of neighbors with his spontaneous walks and adorable visits to the front door.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department shared on Facebook that the animal was “aggressive” as they attempted to catch it.
“Neither the collaborating animal control department nor we have tranquilizers or equipment to handle such a unique situation,” they shared online, which is why a gun was used.
The Animal Rescue League has handed over full custody of Phill to The Iowa Farm Sanctuary, a place where animals explore the fields and swim in the pond.
Shawn Camp, who is the founder of the sanctuary, shared with USA today‘I’m honestly so grateful to the community that has shown compassion for what is essentially a cow in the middle of Iowa.
“I think it’s extraordinary. It started with Des Moines cheering him on, then Iowa State and now it’s gotten even bigger.
“I think there are people all over the country who are rooting for him. Everyone is rooting for a cow that escaped from the slaughterhouse.”
Iowa Farm Sanctuary provided an update on Phill’s status on their Facebook.
The post read: ‘We have an update for you on the condition of Phill, who has stolen all of our hearts over the last few days.
The water buffalo, named after Pleasant Hill, jumped on its owner on Saturday just before it was killed.
The brave animal managed to escape to freedom and roamed the streets, until Wednesday, when it was captured by the police department, after a caller alerted them to the situation.
‘Phill was taken to ISU Large Animal Hospital yesterday afternoon where he received immediate and thorough care from the amazing veterinary staff.
‘The team performed an ultrasound of his abdomen and chest cavity to assess the damage caused by the gunshot wound.
‘Fortunately, the results were reassuring: the shotgun bullet did not penetrate his lung or enter his chest cavity, meaning Phill is not suffering from respiratory distress or internal bleeding.
‘Her abdominal scan also showed no signs of internal swelling, bleeding or evidence that the slug passed through the external muscle tissue into the internal abdominal cavity.’
The post continued: “Phill’s road to recovery isn’t over, though. The gunshot wound is badly infected and vets had to clean it extensively, even removing some necrotic tissue.
‘Phill’s condition is currently stable, and vets have decided to let him relax and recover from his ordeal, before carrying out an X-ray to determine whether the slug is still lodged in his muscle or if it has fallen off.
‘Hospital staff have seen firsthand that Phill is not the aggressive animal many feared.
‘Instead, it is a frightened, juvenile calf that has been chased into an unfamiliar environment and then captured, leaving it anxious and frightened.
Police shot the animal in an attempt to capture it, and it was found to be in stable condition at Iowa State University’s Large Animal Hospital.
Phill was eventually transferred to Iowa Farm Sanctuary (pictured)
‘To help Phill feel safe, his stall has been closed to minimise stress and allow him to rest while his injury is treated.’
The post concluded: ‘Phill’s journey to safety has touched so many lives; our hope is that everyone who supported Phill will delve deeper into that feeling and allow compassion to rule.
‘Let Phill’s heartbreaking escape from the slaughter live in your heart so that you can expand that compassion to all beings.’
The post received more than 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares and 553 supportive comments.
One person wrote: ‘Thanks for the update and for looking out for Phill. A lot of scared animals are labelled as aggressive and it’s very disconcerting when humans jump to stupid conclusions.
“It is encouraging to know that there are sanctuaries like yours, which allow us to get to know animals as they really are.”
A second person commented: “Thank you for the hard work you do to save and educate. We knew nothing about the water buffalo slaughter industry. We are so grateful for the work you do.”
Her health update post received over 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares and 553 supportive comments.
A third person added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I cannot understand what these animals go through to (save) their existence. They absolutely deserve so much better than the torture, cruelty and suffering they endure!
“How awful! Thanks Phill, keep going and enjoy every precious day! I will definitely be praying for you Phill!”
A fourth person wrote: “I am overwhelmed with emotion and in love with Phill. I am also deeply grateful to all of you, for the depth with which you embraced and cared for this sweet soul.
“Look at that pretty face! It’s the best in the world and thank you for keeping us informed because he has been on my mind constantly.”
“The world needs more people like you, who have helped and cared for you. I will contribute with love and gratitude soon. May God bless you.”
The Animal Rescue League also requested custody of two more water buffalo from the property where Phill escaped.
(tags to translate)dailymail
