Animal inspectors are investigating the sorry state of a bull found trapped in its own dung.

The animal -- which is believed to have previously stayed on the Wood Shop site -- was spotted by a Royal Gazette photographer lowing pathetically after being tied on a leash just a few inches long.

No water was seen at the site at Barry Road, St. George's and the animal, which was covered with flies, was unable to move out of its manure. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals inspector Charles Whited said he had visited the animal last week and found it happy but now he will take another look.

He said: "Somebody called and complained about it last Friday. I visited it and it had access to a container full of water at that time and it was tethered properly.

"Now I will go and deal with it. If it is tangled up it needs to be addressed right away.'' Government Vet Officer Dr. Jonathan Nesbitt also said he would be looking into the matter.

Neighbour Gilbert Brewster said the animal should not be there anyway as it is zoned woodland.

"It's right at the back of my house. My neighbour can't have a barbeque because there are so many flies there.'' He said the bull had been there for weeks despite his complaints to Government.

"Alex Scott said it would be moved but a bailiff had to serve papers to get it moved. But there is a section 34 on it -- it's a protected area.

"They should not have leased this place out. The owner of the bull should not have to be served with any papers.'' He also claimed the bull had got loose last week.

He said: "It could have hurt children.'' Mr. Brewster said there had been around 30 rabbits on the site but when The Royal Gazette visited yesterday afternoon there were only a handful remaining.