One of 'The Simpsons' creators has stepped in to save a gay bull from Mayo from the slaughterhouse.

Sam Simon, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, has offered more than €6,000 to re-home Benjy.

Benjy was bought for breeding with female cows - but so far he is only shown interest in other bulls.

The story prompted the animal charity PETA to launch a campaign to save him.

The Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) has now started work on the transport arrangements to get Benjy from his farm in Co Mayo safely over to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in the UK.

Benjy's transfer is expected to take place in time for Christmas. More than 250 other individuals have also donated to fund the transfer.

"PETA told me about Benjy, and I felt compelled to help," Mr Simon said.

"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," he added.

Mr Simon is a longtime vegan.