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Gay bull saved from slaughter by ‘Simpsons’ co-creator

By Sam Rigby

The co-creator of The Simpsons has saved a ‘gay bull’ from being slaughtered.

The Irish bull, called Benjy, was facing slaughter after a vet decided that his sexual orientation was the reason he wouldn’t breed, but Sam Simon has teamed up with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and ARAN (Animal Rights Action Network) to stop the killing.

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Simon put forward £5,000 to buy Benjy and transport him to a sanctuary, with an additional £4,000 raised through a crowd-funding website. Benjy – who is currently in County Mayo – is likely to be in his new home by Christmas.

Simon said: “PETA told me about Benjy, and I felt compelled to help. All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he’s gay would’ve been a double tragedy.

“It thrills me to help PETA and ARAN make Benjy’s fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich.”

Benjy’s potential slaughter made the news when journalist, Joanna McNicholas, learned about his fate when speaking to his owner.

Describing him, McNicholas said: “He looks like a large lamb. He’s very gentle and very quiet.”

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