CCTV to protect bullied buffalo

Hi-tech help has been offered to the owner of a water buffalo at the centre of a series of attacks.

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.

Local resident David Lakin has donated a CCTV system to keep an eye on Oink and deter any other attacks.

Mr Lakin installed the cameras and some lights and hopes it will offer the animal some peace.

Pig noises

He said: "How anyone can do this to such a gentle beast, despite weighing over a tonne, is beyond me.

"But we all have limits to our patience and I really wouldn't want to be someone on the front end of Oink if he loses his temper."

He added: "People say it is just kids messing around but I don't care if it is kids or adults, anyone who hurts an animal like this must be stopped."

Mr Lakin has known Oink for some time and explained his name comes from a noise the buffalo makes, apparently a result of being kept in the same field as pigs.

Derbyshire police said they were aware of the problems but could not be in the area all the time.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Derbyshire Police
RSPCA
Oink the Buffalo
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