Protestors to march through London in bid to save Geronimo
The march later is over a government decision to euthanise an alpaca from near Bristol.
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
A march on Downing Street is taking place this afternoon over the government decision to euthanise an alpaca from near Bristol. It was originally planned that a number of alpacas would be joining the march yet that is not longer the case due to fears for their safety around the large crowds.
Geronimo has twice tested positive for bovine tuberculosis and was condemned to death by a High Court judge last month. However, his owner, Helen Macdonald from Wickwar in South Gloucestershire believes the tests have returned false positives.
The 50-year-old veterinary nurse, who breeds the species has been in a legal battle with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) since 2017.
Ms Macdonald has received overwhelming public support, with nearly 100,000 people signing a petition calling on Boris Johnson to prevent the killing.
Environment secretary, George Eustice, who comes from a farming background - has defended the decision as the UK has been wrestling with the disease over the past decade.
The demonstration has been organised by members of the Born Free Foundation, the Alpaca Society, and practising vet and bovine TB policy expert Dr Iain McGil.
Protesters are marching from Defra's headquarters in Westminster before heading to Downing Street. Although they will no longer be joined by alpacas, animal welfare campaigner, Dominic Dyer and vet, Dr Iain McGill are still determined to be noticed, delivering speeches demanding for Geronimo to be re-tested.