The co-creator of one of the most successful animated shows ever made has helped to save the life of a bull.

It has been reported that Benjy, from County Mayo, Ireland, was destined for the abattoir after showing more interest in breeding with other bulls than cows.

An online campaign launched by gay and animal rights campaigners to save Benjy went viral.

Donations, including £5,000 from Sam Simon, co-creator of the Simpsons, saved Benjy, who will be transported from Ireland to Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Frettenham, Norwich.

In less than a week the campaign has raised more than £9,000, including the surprise donation from Mr Simon on Tuesday morning.

Mr Simon was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012.

He is vegan and has donated to several projects to rescue animals from cruelty.

'All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he is gay would have been a double tragedy,' Mr Simon said in a statement.

He said he was glad to help 'make Benjy's fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich.'

The Hollywood producer learned from PETA that the bull was being fattened for slaughter after a vet declared his sexual orientation was the reason he would not breed.

A campaign to raise the money needed to save Benjy was launched by The Gay UK along with ARAN (Animal Rights Action Network– fighting animal abuse across Ireland) and the Hillside Animal Sanctuary.

The BBC reports that homosexual behaviour has been observed in 1,500 animal species.

Those included are lions, penguins and cheetahs.

Have you got an animal story? Email Peter Walsh at peter.walsh@archant.co.uk