Alpaca Geronimo faces execution as police arrive at a Gloucestershire farm

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Geronimo the alpaca faces execution today as police escort the animal away from his Gloucestershire farm.

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that they are helping government officials carry out their arrest warrant for the famous alpaca execution.

Uniformed officers were seen talking to three people in blue suits, masks and goggles outside the farm in Wickwar. Officials were seen driving Jeronimo from his perimeter, surrounded by police and members of the press.

Dramatic photos then showed the alpaca being pulled into a trailer and taken away.

Helen MacDonald, owner of Geronimo, tweeted this morning: “DEFRA has arrived! We request once again an urgent meeting with George Eustis. Please don’t execute Geronimo.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We can confirm officers are present at a farm in Wickwar in South Gloucestershire this morning in support of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which is implementing an injunction.

“We will always support our partner agencies to carry out their legal duties, and our role is to prevent a breach of the peace and to ensure that public safety is protected.”

Police and Devra officials are at the farm where the Geronimo alpaca is expected to be put out

(Tom Wren/Sons)

Jeronimo was ordered to be killed because he had tested positive for bovine tuberculosis four years earlier. But Helen MacDonald argues that the test is faulty and that her animal is healthy.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) was granted an order to ruthlessly cull the alpacas within 30 days of August 5, leaving officials with four days to execute Jeronimo.

Geronimo the alpaca was taken by Devra officials this morning

(Tom Wren/Sons)

Police were seen arriving in a box-horse-like vehicle this morning and webcam footage showed Jeronimo resting for freedom and running into a field to join his fellow alpacas.

Then several officers followed him with a rope, chased the herd around the meadow, and finally led Jeronimo to his barn.

Two officers were also seen dealing with members of the public next to a We Are Geronimo banner, put up by activists opposing the animal’s destruction.

Defra officials secure Jeronimo the alpaca before removing him from his farm

(Tom Wren/Sons)

Mrs. Helen MacDonald told The Independent yesterday: “You set me an example and it’s the worst thing you can do. I’m sitting here waiting for the guns to appear, it’s wicked.”

Animal lovers responded to the distressing news, with Susie Kenward tweeting: “I watched them pull him away live on webcam…I’m so sad for Keronimo and you Helen..xx”

Another, Heather McKenna, said, “Bound him. Don’t let them do this!”

“My thoughts are with Helen MacDonald, one of the bravest and bravest people I know who fought David and Goliath’s battle with Devra to save Jeronimo’s precious life,” said animal activist Dominic Dyer.

More updates to follow…

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