Reward to find buffalo tormentor

Oink is on anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce his swelling

An international animal rights charity has offered a £1,000 reward after a water buffalo was attacked.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has offered the reward after the water buffalo had bricks thrown at him in Derbyshire.

The penalty for causing unnecessary suffering to animals is a maximum six-month prison sentence.

PETA said: "Animal abusers are cowards. They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them."

"As long as the perpetrator of this crime is at large, other animals in the area - and human residents - might also be in danger. PETA is urging residents to keep a watchful eye on their animal companions," the group added.

The buffalo, called Oink, weighs more than a tonne and has been the victim of harassment and injury on land in Darley Abbey village in Derbyshire.

Stones and bricks have been thrown at him, hay set on fire and washing up liquid put in his water.

A local resident has donated a CCTV system to keep an eye on Oink and deter any other attacks.