GERONIMO the alpaca will be killed today after cops and Defra officials in hazmat suits stormed a Gloucestershire farm.
The creature's death, which is set to take place this morning, will end a sad saga that has gripped the nation throughout the summer.
At least 15 cops in a riot van arrived at the farm in Wickwar at 10.45am.
Some of the uniformed PCs were seen speaking to three people dressed in blue overalls, masks and goggles. All three had bodyworn video.
There was a stand-off with protesters at the gate, and one woman is understood to have been arrested for shooting a supersoaker water gun at a Defra hitman.
A man with a long white beard was also seen grappling with police.
Witnesses at the scene say Geronimo has been loaded into a horsebox and taken away under police escort.
The destruction warrant is valid until September 4. Campaigners want the animal to be tested for a third time or let him live to aid research into the disease.
Tearful farmer Helen Macdonald, 50, had said she was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice and step in the way of any gunman told to kill her beloved alpaca.
Meanwhile, almost 150,000 Brits signed an online petition to save Geronimo's life after Helen insisted the positive tests were faulty.
Actor Joanna Lumley and TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham were among those pleading with ministers to save Geronimo.
SHOCKING SCENES
But the creature's story ends in tragedy today after a High Court judge ruled it was a danger to other animals.
Vet Helen has been fighting Defra for four years and is now drowning in £50,000 legal fees.
Earlier this month, she told The Sun: “I can’t stand by and let my animal be killed and I’m willing to stand in the way of any gunman who comes to destroy Geronimo.
“They’ve picked on the wrong woman. There is no way that I will put him to sleep.”
She said tests used to diagnose TB are unreliable.
“If Geronimo did have TB he should have been dead by now," she said.
"Alpacas with TB only last a few months, but it’s been more than four years since he allegedly tested positive.
ARREST AT FARM GATES
“This has become a personal battle between Defra and myself and they are prepared to take me to the cleaners because they can’t bring themselves to admit they are in the wrong.
“We believe we’ve proved that Geronimo is clear of TB from the time he was brought over from New Zealand until now.
“He’s had four skin tests prior to leaving and numerous other blood tests and there’s no evidence of bovine TB. But Defra will not accept these tests.
“They will not accept their initial test was flawed and have been standing by that result ever since.
"They have moved the goal posts as far as the tests go and now they just want to make an example of Geronimo and it’s just so unfair."
Less than a fortnight ago, she said she was hand-feeding the sweet creature its favourite foods.
"Every moment I get with him is special as it could be the last," she said.
"I’ve been hand-feeding him as it’s a bit more personal."
Cops said they were supporting the execution of a court warrant, adding: "Our role is to prevent a breach of the peace."
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