Simpsons’ creator steps in to save Mayo’s gay bull

Remember Benjy the gay bull from Mayo?

A campaign was started last week by animal rights groups ARAN and PETA in conjunction with TheGayUK digital magazine to save Benjy from the slaughterhouse.

They needed to raise £5000 (€6367) to send the bull to a sanctuary in England to live out the rest of his days in peace.

Fundraising pages were set up and petitions started - and now help has come from the most unexpected of places.

Sam Simon is one of the co-creators of 'The Simpsons' and is suffering from terminal cancer. He has devoted his last days to philanthropy - focusing on children and animal charities.

And he's pledged the £5,000 needed to save Benjy. Sam - who is a life-long vegan - explains: "PETA told me about Benjy, and I felt compelled to help.

All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he's gay would've been a double tragedy.

It thrills me to help PETA and ARAN make Benjy's fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich."

Sam Simon

Sam has become an inspiration to many since being diagnosed with cancer in 2012.

He has described his battle as the greatest experience of his life and that he's "the happiest he has ever been" as he has found himself surrounded by people that love him and care for him and has been able to devote his time to the causes he cares about.

And his work has been very much appreciated.

“The response from around the worldwide has being so very encouraging, but to now hear that Sam Simon, co-creator of the world’s most popular animated sitcom is stepping in, is just icing on the already well baked cake,” says ARAN’s John Carmody.

“What could be better than to present Benjy with a Christmas gift that will literally last a lifetime, by giving him a one way ticket to freedom.” Benjy's transfer is expected to take place just in time for Christmas.