'Wonderful' folk flock to help city's bullied buffalo Oink

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.”