Animal lovers dismayed as Iowa’s Phill the escaped water buffalo is shot and captured
Animal lovers are deeply concerned after Phill, the escaped water buffalo, was shot and captured.
Phill had become popular in Iowa, stealing the hearts of the neighbors with his spontaneous walks and cute doorstep visits.
The water buffalo, which takes its name from Pleasant Hill, had jumped on its owner on Saturday, just before he was to be slaughtered.
The brave animal managed to escape and roamed the streets until he was captured by police on Wednesday after a caller alerted them to the situation.
Police shot the animal to capture him. He was in stable condition at Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital before eventually being transferred to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
Animal lovers are very concerned after Phill, the escaped water buffalo, was shot and captured
Phill had become popular in Iowa, as he stole the hearts of the neighbors with his spontaneous walks and cute visits to the front door
Pleasant Hill police reported on Facebook that the animal was “aggressive” when they tried to capture him.
They shared online: ‘Neither the animal protection agency nor we have the tranquilizers or equipment to deal with such a unique situation.’ That’s why a firearm was used.
The Animal Rescue League has transferred full custody of Phill to The Iowa Farm Sanctuary, a place where the animals explore the fields and swim in the pond.
Shawn Camp, the sanctuary’s founder, shared with Today in the US: ‘I’m really grateful for the community that has shown compassion for what is essentially a cow in the middle of Iowa.
“I think it’s remarkable. It started with Des Moines cheering for him, then Iowa State, and now it’s gotten even bigger.
“I think there are people all over the country for him. Everyone is cheering for one cow that escaped slaughter.”
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary posted an update on Phill’s condition on Facebook.
The message read: ‘We have an update for you on the condition of Phill, who has stolen our hearts over the past few days.
The water buffalo, which takes its name from Pleasant Hill, had jumped on its owner on Saturday, moments before he was to be slaughtered
The brave animal managed to escape and roamed the streets until he was captured by police on Wednesday after a caller alerted them to the situation.
‘Phill was taken to the ISU Large Animal Hospital yesterday afternoon, where he received immediate and thorough care from the wonderful veterinary staff.
The team performed an ultrasound of his abdomen and chest cavity to assess the damage from the gunshot wound.
‘Thankfully the results were reassuring: the bullet did not enter his lungs or chest cavity, meaning Phill is not suffering from any breathing problems or internal bleeding!’
‘There was also no evidence of internal swelling, bleeding or evidence that the bullet had entered the abdominal cavity through the outer muscle tissue.’
The post continued: ‘But Phil’s journey to recovery isn’t over yet. The gunshot wound itself is badly infected and the vets had to thoroughly clean it, even removing some necrotic tissue.
Phill is currently in stable condition and the vets have decided to let him rest and recover from his ordeal. They will then take an x-ray to determine if the bullet is still in his muscle or has fallen out.
‘The hospital staff saw with their own eyes that Phill is not the aggressive animal that many feared.
‘Instead, he is a frightened young calf who has been chased into unfamiliar surroundings and subsequently captured, leaving him fearful and scared.
Police shot the animal to capture him, and he was found to be in stable condition at Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital
Phill was eventually transferred to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary (pictured)
‘To make Phill feel safe, his stable is locked. This keeps stress to a minimum and allows him to rest while his wound is being treated.’
The message concluded, “Phill’s journey to safety has touched so many lives. We hope that everyone who supported Phill will dig into that sentiment and be guided by compassion!”
“Let Phil’s terrible escape from the slaughter live on in your heart, so that you can extend his compassion to all beings.”
The post received more than 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares and 553 positive comments.
Someone wrote: ‘Thanks for the update and for looking after Phill. So many fearful animals are labelled as aggressive and it is very disturbing that people jump to stupid conclusions.
“It is heartwarming to know that there are shelters like yours, where you get to know the animals as they really are.”
A second person commented: ‘Thank you for the hard work to rescue and educate. We had no idea about the water buffalo slaughter industry. We are so grateful for the work you do.’
His health update post received more than 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares and 553 supportive comments
A third person added: ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! I find it horrible to understand what these animals have to go through. [save] their existence. They absolutely deserve so much better than the torture, cruelty and suffering they endure!!
‘Absolute horror. Thank you and live on Phill, and enjoy every precious day!! I will definitely be praying for you Phill!!’
A fourth person wrote: ‘I am overcome with emotion and in love with Phill. I am also so grateful to all of you for the depth of your embrace and care for this gentle soul.
‘Look at that beautiful face! This is just the best thing ever and thank you for keeping us updated as he is constantly on my mind.
“The world needs more people like you, and those who helped and cared. I will contribute soon with love and gratitude. God bless you.”
The Animal Rescue League has also requested the custody of two more water buffalo from the property where Phill escaped.