Sept. 24 (UPI) — Animal rescuers in New York said a bull that was on the loose for two months after escaping slaughter in Long Island has been captured and is headed to a new home at a sanctuary.
The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the bull, nicknamed Barney or Barnie by locals, was located Wednesday night at a former duck farm in Moriches.
Barney was captured by Mike Stura of the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. Officials said Barney will have a new permanent home at the New Jersey sanctuary.
The bull first made headlines in late July, when the animal escaped prior to being slaughtered as part of the celebration of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. A section of Sunrise Highway was temporarily shut near Exit 58 in Mastic when the bovine ran into traffic.
The news of Barney’s rescue was celebrated by animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
“After an astounding two months on the run, this bull’s escape ended happily, unlike the lives of those who end up on the dinner table. PETA urges everyone who rooted for this bull to help save another by going vegan,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.