Rushden Argus, 06 Dec 1889, Transcribed by Kay Collins

Local interest

"BACK FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH" — On Wednesday evening the butchers engaged by the Co-operative Society had a rather novel experience. A bullock was being pulled down to the ring in the floor preparatory to being despatched in the usual way, a second animal also waiting its fate in the same place. This one became terrified at the prospect before it, and made a bold bid for its freedom by leaping clean over its companion about to be killed.

Having accomplished this feat it found in its way a five-barred gate, which it cleared at bound, to the utter astonishment of those engaged in the slaughter house, and in their amazement they let go the one with the rope round its neck, and this also escaped in the same manner. Having got out into the open street, they made the most of their freedom, the one which escaped last not being re-captured for some time, when it was foiled near Irchester Station. The other one made off towards Bedford, and was not captured until the following morning, when it was found in Mr. Wyldes' field, in company with some more cattle.