An "aggressive" water buffalo escaped from his owner in Iowa before he was found and tranquilized on Wednesday, ending a four-day chase near Des Moines, officials said.
Police in Pleasant Hill were first notified on Saturday morning that the animal was loose and a responding officer was asked by the creature's owner to kill it, officials said.
Owners said "it was an aggressive animal they were preparing to butcher for its meat and asked" an officer "to put it down," according a Pleasant Hill police statement on Wednesday.
"The responding officer informed them they could not and would not put animals down unless it posed a threat to the public," police added.
At one point during the pursuit, the water buffalo showed "its aggressiveness" toward officers and a shot was fired at the animal, injuring him, and he fled, police said.
The animal — named Phill — was shot in the chest but survived, according to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary statement.
The water buffalo was spotted Tuesday night in a remote area, so police and animal control officers waited until Wednesday when it was shot with tranquilizer darts at 9:30 a.m and 10 a.m., police said.
The "immobilized" beast was treated with "reversal drugs, antibiotics and vitamins" and taken to Iowa State University Veterinary Hospital where its "prognosis is guarded," police added.
Pleasant Hill resident Martin Pontier, 34, said the animal appeared calm as it strolled through his backyard Saturday.
"Yeah, he was just walking. He'd look up and take a look at us and see what was going on," Pontier said Tuesday. "He was never running around or anything."
There was no damage to his home, and Pontier's 4-year-old son, Rian, was left with fun stories to tell his preschool classmates.
"I've learned more about Asian water buffaloes in the last 72 hours than I ever cared to know about them," Pontier said.
Pleasant Hill police have launched an "investigation into the escape" which could lead to charges, officials said.
Phill is being treated at Iowa State University and will live out his days with the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, the group said.
"We’re also truly overjoyed to announce that Phill has been surrendered and is officially an Iowa Farm Sanctuary resident, which means he will know nothing but love and safety for the rest of his incredibly precious, meaningful life," it said. "He is so worthy. He is so brave."
