The owner of a water buffalo that ran loose in a Des Moines, Iowa, suburb for days in August has pleaded guilty for having an animal at large
Water Buffalo Escape: Owner Pleads Guilty
Des Moines, Iowa – The owner of a water buffalo that caused quite a stir by roaming loose in a Des Moines suburb for several days has pleaded guilty to having an animal at large. As a result, the owner was fined $105 along with court costs, according to a report by the Des Moines Register.
The Escape: A Journey to Freedom
The incident began in August when the owner was transporting the water buffalo to slaughter. However, the animal managed to escape during the journey, leading to a frantic search by police in Pleasant Hill, a suburb with a population of 11,000. The animal soon gained a following, and locals affectionately named it “PHill” after the city.
A Dramatic Capture: Police Attempts
During the efforts to recapture PHill, police shot the water buffalo, but it managed to evade capture and continued its escapade for several days. Eventually, with the assistance of zoo and animal rescue workers, PHill was tranquilized and safely captured.
A New Home: Custody Transferred to Animal Shelter
Following the dramatic events, the former owner relinquished custody of PHill, along with two other water buffaloes now named Sal and Jane, to an animal shelter. PHill was treated at a large animal hospital for an infected gunshot wound and, according to Iowa Farm Sanctuary, is recovering well.
Understanding Water Buffaloes: Size and Significance
Water buffaloes are notable for their size, with some weighing up to 2,650 pounds (1,200 kilograms), as stated on National Geographic’s website. Though PHill appears smaller in photographs, they are recognized as the largest members of the Bovini tribe, which includes yaks, bison, African buffalo, and various species of wild cattle.
The escape of PHill has not only highlighted the challenges of animal ownership but also sparked community interest and compassion for these majestic creatures.