‘Gay’ Bull Spared Slaughter, Thanks to Sam Simon

With help from The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon, Benjy – an Irish bull previously slated for slaughter because of his reported sexual orientation – made it to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in the UK on Sunday, where he’ll breathe fresh air, graze freely and never again face the threat of imminent slaughter. PETA Foundation UK and PETA US had approached Simon for help in saving the bull.

Simon helped make Benjy’s rescue possible. “I believe in compassion and empathy for all living beings – regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or species. That’s why when PETA UK told me about ‘Benjy, the gay bull’, I felt compelled to help”, he said. “All animals have a dire destiny in the meat and dairy industries, but for Benjy to have been killed because of his sexual orientation would have been a double tragedy.”

“My health won’t allow me to travel to the UK to see Benjy in his new home, but it thrills me to know that his fate is a sanctuary rather than a sandwich, and I know the folks at PETA UK … will keep me updated on his progress”, says Simon.

Simon also hopes Benjy’s story will inspire others to help animals: “While it will be a happy holiday season for Benjy, it won’t be for the millions of other animals on farms living in their own filth, denied everything that is natural and important to them”, says Simon. “I’d encourage anyone moved by Benjy’s plight to help other animals like him by choosing to leave all animals off their plates and opt for a vegan Christmas dinner.”

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