HAPPY CHRISTMAS FOR GAY BULL – GRANTED REPRIEVE FROM SLAUGHTER – AS HE ARRIVES AT SANCTUARY

The Simpsons Co-Creator Sam Simon Delights in Benjy's Chance to Live Out Natural Life in Peace at Animal Sanctuary

Frettenham, Norwich – With help from PETA, the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) and donations from around the world – including a £5,000 gift from The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon – Benjy, an Irish bull previously slated for slaughter because of his sexual orientation, arrived at Hillside Animal Sanctuary today, where he will breathe fresh air, graze freely and never again face the threat of the butcher's block. Heart-warming photos of Benjy's homecoming are available here, here and here. More available at Rex Features.

"I believe in compassion and empathy for all living beings – regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or species. That's why when PETA told me about 'Benjy, the gay bull', I felt compelled to help", says Simon. "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 and ARAN will keep me updated on his progress", he says.

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", he says. "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."

Since Simon was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012, he has used his resources to help many animals in need, including helping to retire a lame horse used for racing and securing the transfer of a chimpanzee who had spent more than 18 years in solitary confinement at a zoo. Just last week in collaboration with PETA US – whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way" – Simon helped rescue two black bears from a roadside zoo in Tennessee.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.