Animal lovers dismayed as Iowa's Phill the escaped water buffalo is shot and captured

Animal lovers have been greatly concerned after Phill, the escaped water buffalo was shot and captured.

Phill had become popular in Iowa, as he stole the hearts of neighbors with his spontaneous strolls and adorable front door visits.

The water buffalo, who got his name after Pleasant Hill, had jumped on top of his owner on Saturday, right before he was about to be slaughtered.

The brave animal managed to escape to freedom and roamed the streets, until Wednesday, when he was captured by the police department, after a caller alerted them to the situation. 

Police shot the animal in order to get hold of him, and he turned out to be in stable condition at the Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital, before he was eventually transferred to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary.

Animal lovers have been greatly concerned after Phill, the escaped water buffalo was shot and captured

Phill had become popular in Iowa, as he stole the hearts of neighbors with his spontaneous strolls and adorable front door visits

The Pleasant Hill Police Department shared on Facebook, that the animal was 'aggressive,' while they attempted to catch him.

They shared online: 'Neither the collaborating animal control department, nor we, have tranquilizers, or equipment to handle such a unique situation,' therefore a gun was used. 

The Animal Rescue League has signed over the full custody of Phill to the The Iowa Farm Sanctuary, a place where the animals explore the fields and go swimming in the pond.

Shawn Camp, who is the founder of the sanctuary, shared with USA Today: 'I’m honestly so thankful for the community that has shown compassion for what is essentially a cow in the middle of Iowa.

'I think it’s remarkable. It started off with Des Moines rooting for him, then the state of Iowa and now it’s gotten even bigger. 

'I think there’s people across the country for him. Everyone’s rooting for one cow that escaped slaughter.'

The Iowa Farm Sanctuary provided an update on Phill's state on its Facebook.

The post stated: 'We have an update for you on the condition of Phill, who has stolen all of our hearts over the past few days. 

The water buffalo, who got his name after Pleasant Hill, had jumped on top of his owner on Saturday, right before he was about to get slaughtered

The brave animal managed to escape to freedom and roamed the streets, until Wednesday, when he was captured by the police department, after a caller alerted them to the situation

'Phill was taken to ISU Large Animal Hospital yesterday afternoon, where he received immediate and thorough care from the amazing veterinary staff.

'The team conducted an ultrasound of his abdomen, and chest cavity to assess the damage from the gunshot wound. 

'Thankfully, the results were reassuring - the shotgun slug did not penetrate his lung, or enter his chest cavity, which means Phill is not experiencing respiratory distress, or internal bleeding! 

'His abdominal scan also showed no signs of internal swelling, bleeding, or evidence the slug passed through his outer muscle tissue, into the internal abdominal cavity.'

The post continued: 'However, Phill’s journey to recovery is not over. The gunshot wound itself is severely infected, and the vets had to clean it extensively, even removing some necrotic tissue. 

'Phill’s condition is currently stable, and the vets have decided to let him relax and recover from his ordeal, before conducting an X-ray to determine whether the slug is still lodged in his muscle, or if it has fallen out.

'The staff at the hospital have seen firsthand that Phill is not the aggressive animal many feared. 

'Instead, he is a scared, juvenile calf who has been chased around in an unfamiliar environment, and then captured, leaving him anxious and frightened. 

Police shot the animal in order to get hold of him, and he turned out to be in stable condition at the Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital

Phill was eventually transferred to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary (pictured)

'To help Phill feel safe, his stall has been closed off to minimize stress, and allow him to rest, while his wound is treated.'

The post concluded: 'Phill’s journey to safety has touched so many lives - our hope is that everyone who rooted for Phill, will dig deep into that feeling and let compassion preside! 

'Let Phill’s harrowing escape from slaughter live in your heart so you may expand that compassion to all beings.'

The post got more than 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares, and 553 supportive comments. 

One person wrote: 'Thank you for the update and for looking after Phill. So many frightened animals are labeled as aggressive, and it is very disconcerting that humans come to stupid conclusions. 

'It is heartening to know there are sanctuaries such as yours, who get to know the animals for who they really are.'

A second person commented: 'Thank you for doing the hard work to save and educate. We did not know about the water buffalo slaughter industry. We have so much gratitude for the work that you do.'

The post regarding his health update got more than 6,200 likes, 2,700 shares, and 553 supportive comments

A third person added: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! I hate to understand what these animals go through to [save] their existence. They deserve absolutely so much better than the torture and cruelty and suffering they endure!! 

'Absolute horror. Thank you and live on Phill, and enjoy every precious day!! I will certainly pray for you Phill!!'

A fourth person wrote: 'I am overwhelmed with emotion and in love with Phill. I'm also deeply grateful for all of you, for the depths of your embracing, and caring for this gentle soul. 

'Look at that beautiful face! This is just the best ever and thank you for updating us because he's been on my mind constantly. 

'The world needs more people like you, and those that have helped and cared. I will be contributing shortly with love and gratitude. God bless you.'

The Animal Rescue League has also requested the custody of two more water buffalos from the property Phill escaped.