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Aggressive Water Buffalo on the Loose in Iowa

Incident Date:
08/27/2024
Location:
Des Moines, IA - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Water Buffalo
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

Des Moines, IA – The Des Moines Register reports that Pleasant Hill police are continuing their search for a water buffalo that was shot by officers over the weekend. Police were dispatched on Saturday after a report of the large animal in the street. The Register reports that the animal was identified as a water buffalo that had escaped the owner’s property. Police began coordinating with Animal Control and the Animal Rescue League on how to capture the animal.

When officers approached, the animal became aggressive, and an officer shot the buffalo once with a shotgun. The Animal Rescue League and Animal Control do not have tranquilizers to sedate an animal that big. The Register reports that the water buffalo was last seen in Little Fourmile Creek heading southbound toward Scott Avenue.

The Register reports that police are using a drone in their search for the water buffalo and officers are using ATVs to search bike trails along the creek. Police are urging residents to stay away from the animal and if they see the buffalo call the Pleasant Hill Police Department at 515-265-1444.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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