Hitch in sale of five-legged calf

Jonathan King with the five-legged calf. Photo / APN.

A five-legged calf born in Reporoa has fetched $305 in an online auction.

However, the bidder may have withdrawn their offer because of an angry spouse and the calf may be sold to the next bidder, for $300, later this week.

Worth only $15 to his owner, Jonathan King, if put on the bobby truck, the 2-month-old calf was listed on Trade Me two weeks ago as a way to make some beer money.

Mr King was away when contacted by media, and said he was not sure if the winning bidder would be taking the calf or not. He planned to contact the new owner when he returned from holiday.

"He posted a message saying his wife had gotten angry about it so I'm not sure if she is sold or not yet."

If the next-highest bidder did not want the calf it would be re-listed.

His girlfriend felt sorry for the calf and wanted him to keep it on the farm where he worked, he said.

Mr King hoped the calf, which he is leaving for its new owners to name, would not end up on a dinner plate too soon.

- APN