Bull-attack victim on the mend

File photo / Thinkstock

A man who was gored by a bull in rural Masterton on Thursday afternoon was in a stable condition in Wellington Hospital yesterday.

John Leitner, 79, was flown to Wellington Hospital by the Westpac rescue helicopter after suffering serious head and chest injuries.

The bull, which was being loaded on to a stock truck, repeatedly charged at the man, before attacking other people and vehicles and was shot by police.

Mr Leitner's sister-in-law Judith Thomsen, of Masterton, said he was comfortable in the intensive-care unit with a punctured lung, concussion, broken ribs and a swollen face.

"They're not quite sure what else he's got at the moment,'' she said.

Mr Leitner travels from Maymorn in Upper Hutt several times a week to tend the block of land, which has sheep and steers.

"He works hard on the farm,'' Mrs Thomsen said. "I think he probably just hopped in to give the bull a go up the ramp.''

She said it was "just as well'' the Pinfolds Transport driver was there to help Mr Leitner, although he ran into a bit of trouble himself and was chased into the back of the ambulance.

The family are now rethinking how to celebrate Mr Leitner's 80th birthday next week, which was meant to be a double celebration with Mrs Thomsen. "We were going down to dinner on Saturday at a restaurant but I'm sure he won't be fit enough for that ... we'll have to wait and see.''