Buffalo Oink is a big softie so why are thugs hurting him?
DERBY'S famous water buffalo, Oink, has been targeted by
cruel thugs.
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The popular animal, who lives in Darley Abbey, has had
bricks thrown at him, washing-up liquid put in his water trough
and his hay set on fire.
Now his worried owner, Katherine Moore, is asking people
walking near his Haslams Lane field to be on the lookout and
report any suspicious behaviour to her or the police.
Mrs Moore, of Darley Park Road, who has looked after
15-year-old Oink for the past three years, said the attacks
were getting more regular and increase around the summer
holidays.
She said: “He is a big old softie and all he wants is a bit
of peace. I just don't know why people would want to hurt
him.”
Oink, who weighs one-and-a-half tonnes, has become something
of a celebrity in Derby.
He receives visits from admirers on a daily basis as well as
donation of fruit and vegetables from greengrocers D and M
Piggott, of Mackworth, Maskrey and Son, from Derby's Market
Hall, and Darley's restaurant.
Sergeant Darren Belfield, of Derbyshire police's wildlife
crime team, said: “We take criminal acts against wildlife,
domestic or farm animals very seriously.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information regarding what
I would describe as cowardly attacks on this water buffalo to
come forward and call police on 0845 123 3333.”
Anyone who witnesses anyone hurting Oink can also call Mrs
Moore on 07518 785178.
14 Comments
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by Laura, Derby
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 11:35AM
“The people who have done this want shooting! I dont know what goes on in peoples heads to want to hurt any animal! Who is raising these monsters with no respect for anything?
Its pretty tragic when you have to pick on an animal to look the big man in front of your mates!! Get a life!”
by James, Wirral
Thursday, July 10 2008, 9:18AM
“How anyone can harm / torment a defensless animal is beyond me! These little b-st-rds should be castrated! You've got to lay some blame at the parents - scum raise scum!!”
by Mark Dixon, Derby
Monday, July 07 2008, 1:13PM
“Oink now has a website, and there is an appeal for his safety. oinkthebuffalo dot co dot uk.”
by steve, chaddesden
Friday, July 04 2008, 2:54PM
“i would take Robs offer and move him in with his cattle for safety and company. these mindless thugs will strike again and only when no-one is around as they are sick cowards”
by steve, chaddesden
Friday, July 04 2008, 2:51PM
“i would take Robs offer and move him in with his cattle for company, as these mindless thugs will strike again and always when no-one is around because they are nothing but sick cowards.”
by Vicky, DERBY
Friday, July 04 2008, 2:51PM
“I love Oink and have been feeding him for several years, If I catch anyone hurting him, I hope they can run. If you have never been to see oink before, please go and dont forget the broccoli, he loves It.”
by DerbyBorn, Derby
Friday, July 04 2008, 1:03PM
“What about building a skate board park or BMX track - then they can wreck the JCBs and other equipment.”
by Rob, Trusley
Friday, July 04 2008, 11:40AM
“As an owner of a rare breed beef herd, I am surprised that this beast be kept on its own! It should have company, whether it is dry cows or steers. That in its self isn¿t fair. I see it every day, passing through; it¿s on its own all day every day. I would not be surprised if it therefore turned round and charged these mindless morons. If the owner would like it to run with my Dexter¿s, you are more than welcome to bring it up.”
by andrew, Derby
Friday, July 04 2008, 10:27AM
“this is disgusting! cant we stick CCTV or a webcam on him to keep an eye out for these lil fkrs who are abusing him? not happy!”
by Robert, South Derbyshire
Friday, July 04 2008, 10:19AM
“I didn't even know had a "famous" water buffalo. Hopefully he'll get fed up of these people hurting him and spear one of them with his big horns. They wouldn't do it again then.”