AN IRISH bull condemned to die for being gay has been given a lifeline by the co-creator of the TV sitcom The Simpsons.

Benjy the bull, who lives on a farm in Co Mayo, was set to be slaughtered after his owner discovered that he showed no interest in mating with cows, while appearing to prefer the company of other male cattle.

Animal welfare charity ARAN issued an urgent appeal for help to raise funds to save Benjy from a trip to the factory and the story was picked up by gay rights groups and animal campaigners around the world.

ARAN's John Carmody, who said that as a gay man

he identified with Benjy's treatment, yesterday revealed that the bull's future had been secured by Hollywood producer Sam Simon.

The philanthropist, who is said to be worth $100 million, learned of Benjy's plight through PETA and was prompted to pay the initial £5,000 needed to save him.

The cash donated by terminally-ill Simon - who has been spending his fortune on animal welfare causes - comes on top of £4,000 raised online by donors. The cash will be used to transport Benjy to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in the UK.

"The response from around the world has been so very encouraging, but to hear that Sam Simon, co-creator of the world's most popular animated sitcom is stepping in, is the icing on an already well-based cake,'' said Mr Carmody.

Big-hearted Simon, who created The Simpsons with Matt Groening in 1991, has been using his vast fortune to help homeless charities and organisations that help animals since he was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer in 2012.

* BULLISH GESTURE: Sam Simon, above, terminally-ill co-creator of The Simpsons, has pledged the money needed to save Benjy the bull, main picture, from slaughter