Pleasant Hill, United States - August 24, 2024

In an unusual incident that has captured the attention of the local community and beyond, a water buffalo escaped its enclosure, leading to a dramatic confrontation with law enforcement. On Saturday morning, the animal, described as aggressive by its, was reported wandering through the streets of Pleasant Hill, prompting a response from the Pleasant Hill Police Department.

The situation escalated when officers, attempting to subdue the buffalo, resorted to using force. Body camera footage released subsequently showed the moment a police officer fired a single shotgun round at the water buffalo, striking and wounding it. Despite being injured, the buffalo managed to evade capture and fled the scene, initiating a multi-day search involving local police and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The use of a shotgun to handle the situation has sparked a debate among residents and animal rights advocates. Critics argue that alternative methods, such as tranquilizers, could have been employed to safely capture the animal without causing harm. However, according to reports, local animal control and police departments did not have access to tranquilizers suitable for an animal of the water buffalo's size at the time of the incident.

The water buffalo, which became somewhat of a local celebrity dubbed "PHill" by the community, was eventually located days later, injured but alive. It was then taken to Iowa State University's Large Animal Hospital for treatment, with plans for its transfer to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, where it will receive ongoing care for its injuries.