Bull escapes auction, eludes police for three days and counting

Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Police in Massachusetts said a bull that escaped from a livestock auction remains on the loose despite three days of failed capture attempts.

Officers said the bull made a run for freedom Tuesday at the Flame Auction in Littleton, and it passed through Groton on Wednesday before moving on to Ayer, where it made numerous appearances in various neighborhoods.

The Ayer Police Department said officers, with help from members of the public with rodeo and bovine wrangling experience, called off their capture attempts at 5 p.m. Thursday and planned to resume the chase Friday.

"He did some serious hoofing today and was last sighted in the area between Copeland Drive and Snake Hill Rd. Farmers will be back at it tomorrow... stay tuned!" the department said in a Facebook post.

Members of the general public are being asked to keep their distance from the escaped bovine, as it may become spooked and leave the area where it was last sighted.

"Also, bulls can become aggressive if provoked," police said.

The bull's plight has led to the creation of an instantly-popular Twitter parody page, @LittletonBull.

Animal rights group PETA has offered to pay for a new sanctuary home for the "'Escape Artist' Bull."

"Like all of us, this bull values his own life, and anyone who makes two bids for freedom in as many days deserves a break," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in the statement. "PETA is calling on the owners to allow this spirited animal to live out his days in peace -- and Farm Sanctuary and Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue are ready to take him in.