OFFERS of help have been pouring in for Derby's famous water

buffalo, Oink, after an appeal in the Evening Telegraph.

Last week it was reported that the gentle giant was being

targeted by thugs, who had thrown bricks at him, put washing-up

liquid in his water trough and set his hay on fire.

His worried owner, Katherine Moore, said she was concerned

for the safety of 15-year-old Oink, who lives in a field in

Haslam's Lane, Darley Abbey.

But now the one-and-a-half-tonne pet can look forward to a

safer and more peaceful future after well-wishers donated CCTV

equipment and set up a website for him.

David Larkin, of Lawnside, Spondon, read about Oink's plight

in the Telegraph and immediately contacted Mrs Moore to offer

what help he could.

The 34-year-old used to supply CCTV equipment and still had

some pieces left over in his shed, which he has now set up in

Oink's field.

He said: “I think Oink's a great creature and I often go to

see him when I'm passing through Darley Park.

“I couldn't believe it when I read that people were doing

these things to him. It's such a shame, he just wants a quiet

life, the poor thing.

“I had the equipment already and wasn't using it for

anything so I thought I could donate it to Oink and try to help

stop this sort of thing happening in the future.”

Mr Larkin has used his technical know-how to set up several

remote wireless cameras as well as a security light, which

turns on at night, and movement sensors which activate some

cameras.

And that was not the only offer of help Oink received.

Mark Dixon, of Macklin Street, Derby, heard about the water

buffalo's plight and also decided to do whatever he could to

help.

The software developer, who came to Derby in 1997 to study

at the university, has set up a website where people can donate

money to pay for a new fence, read articles about Oink and

leave comments.

Mr Dixon said: “I didn't even know about Oink until last

week. I've got a baby son and now me and my partner are going

to take him down to see Oink at the weekend.

“I think he's a great asset for Derby and I don't know why

people would want to hurt an animal.

“I knew that I could set up a site quite easily and it would

give people a chance to find out more about Oink and maybe help

raise some money for him.”

Oink's owner, Katherine Moore, of Darley Park Road, said she

had been overwhelmed by the offers of help.

“It's been wonderful and there really are some kind people

out there.”