We now hope that the abattoir holding Bertie will allow him a new beginning - after all, he certainly deserves his freedom

Dr Tim O'Brien, Hillside Animal Sanctuary

Now Norwich-based Hillside Animal Sanctuary wants Bertie to join its other famous escapees - including the Tamworth Two, pigs Butch and Sundance who went on the run in a wood near Tamworth in the English midlands.

Animal welfare campaigner at Hillside, Dr Tim O'Brien, said: "Bertie's brave escape should not go unrewarded.

"We are delighted that the Dundee charity has offered to work with us in our effort to bring Bertie to Hillside where he can have a safe, permanent home for the rest of his days.

"We now hope that the abattoir holding Bertie will allow him a new beginning - after all, he certainly deserves his freedom."

The bullock was taken back to Mathieson Jess, but not killed immediately because he had been tranquillised during his capture.

The use of the heavy sedative means the animal cannot be slaughtered until it wears off.

The abattoir has not yet responded to the request from the sanctuary, but animal rights campaigners in Dundee and Norwich are confident Bertie will survive.