London, Nov 18 (IANS): A terminally ill man in Ireland has saved a gay bull, who had been facing slaughter after a veterinarian declared his sexual orientation and said he would not breed, media reported Tuesday.

Sam Simon, after hearing the fate of the bull, put up 5,000 pounds (about $7,800) to buy Benjy, an Irish bull in County Mayo, and transported him to a sanctuary where he would now live out his natural life in peace, the Daily Mail reported.

Simon has decided to spend his $100-million fortune on animal rights causes.

The bull's transfer is expected to take place in time for Christmas, the report said.

Simon, who is also a long-time vegan said: "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) told me about Benjy, and I felt compelled to help. All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he's gay would have been a double tragedy."

"It thrills me to help PETA and Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) make Benjy's fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich."

Simon was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012 and has chosen to use his money and the time he has left to help animals in need.

This includes getting 17 bears transferred from virtually barren concrete pits to a lush new home, helping retire a lame horse used for racing and securing the transfer of a chimpanzee which had spent more than 18 years in solitary confinement at a zoo to a reputable sanctuary, the report said.

He also runs The Sam Simon Foundation, an organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless dogs.

Simon decided to team up with PETA president Ingrid Newkirk, and dedicate his time to the rescue of maltreated animals and conservation.