Sanctuary in race against time to save stubborn steer (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Sanctuary in race against time to save stubborn steer

5:09pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News

AN animal sanctuary's top attraction could end up on death row because he won't let vets give him a health check.

Greenland Grove Animal Sanctuary has two highland cattle called Rosie and Clarence.

A change in the law means all cattle now have to be tested for TB on a regular basis.

Rosie was happy to be tested but Clarence - whose huge horns span 4ft - is being bullish and not letting vets anywhere near him.

Carol Jacobs, who runs the St Osyth sanctuary, says the stubborn steer could face a bullet if he continues to refuse to have a jab.

"We are in a real predicament and absolutely desperate - we just don't know what to do," she said.

"I was happy to do it but unfortunately Clarence is such a clever animal and isn't having any of it.

"He won't let us catch him.

"He is lovely but when he is confined he gets frightened - and he's got massive horns."

The authorities gave Carol an extra four weeks to get Clarence tested but time is running out.

She needs to find a special cattle crush which will hold him securely so a vet can get close without being at risk from his giant horns.

The only other alternative is to knock the 700kg beast out with a tranquilliser dart.

But the cash-strapped sanctuary can't afford to pay for either solution.

She added: "I've racked my brains. I'm desperate because I love him so much and so do hundreds of other people.

"He's a big boy and he's very powerful but he's not dangerous.

"I'm going to do everything in my power not to have him shot."