Footage of supporters of Geronimo the alpaca beginning to gather outside his pen this afternoon (Thursday) to defend the animal from being destroyed. His owner Helen MacDonald was given the deadline of 4.30pm on Thursday to euthanise the animal, at its farm in South Gloucestershire, after she lost a last-ditch High Court bid to save his life. Defra (The Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs) has now ordered his destruction.

Geronimo, who was imported to the UK from New Zealand, has twice tested positive for bovine tuberculosis and is under threat of a destruction order. Geronimo’s owner lost the latest round of her legal battle when the High Court ruled against her yesterday.