An alpaca tests positive for a contagious disease. For the British government it is clear: the animal has to die to contain the disease. But the protest against the decision is great – and is now reaching the family of Premier Johnson.
London – The dispute over a doomed alpaca gets personal in England. A prominent animal rights activist wrote in the newspaper “The Sun” that the government would make a “murderous mistake” if it euthanized Geronimo without further testing.
His name: Stanley Johnson – father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister’s wife is also likely to be drawn into the debate. He will appeal to Carrie Johnson, who is known for her animal commitment, to stand up for her husband for Geronimo, said Dominic Dyer of the animal welfare organization Born Free Foundation of the newspaper “Telegraph”.
The government has so far insisted on its position: Geronimo had to die because he was sick with contagious bovine tuberculosis. Two tests would have confirmed that. A court backed the decision last week and now gave the government 30 days to put Geronimo to sleep.
Bovine turmeric is a major problem for British farmers, especially as the pathogen can spread to humans. “Every week in England alone 500 cattle must be removed from herds to stop the spread,” wrote Environment Secretary George Eustice in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. “Behind each of these cases is a farmer who has suffered losses and tragedies.”
But Geronimo’s owner Helen Macdonald is certain that the tests would have shown incorrect results. “The Ministry of the Environment has known for years that tuberculosis skin tests in alpacas can lead to false-positive results,” said animal rights activist Dyer. Instead of examining Geronimo with a more detailed blood test, Eustice ordered the death of the six-year-old animal “to avoid a closer examination of the government’s numerous failings in the fight against bovine tuberculosis in cattle, alpacas and badgers”.
With a protest march through London’s government district, animal rights activists wanted to demonstrate against the government’s plans on Monday. Live alpacas were also to move from the Environment Department to Johnson’s headquarters on Downing Street. More than 90,000 people signed a petition calling on Johnson to intervene. Geronimos owner Macdonald from near Bristol in the west of England knows the mood on her side.
Alpacas originally come from the South American Andes. But now the small camels are bred in Europe, and alpaca hikes and vacations on alpaca farms are no longer uncommon in Germany. With their big, googly eyes, fluffy fur, long neck and a mouth that always looks like it is smiling, the animals are considered by many to be the epitome of cuteness. This is probably one of the reasons why the dispute over Geronimo – named after a well-known Apache chief – is causing outrage among the British, who are known for their love of animals.
The animal rights activists are interested in more. “The case of Geronimo, the alpaca, could prove to be a major turning point in improving bovine tuberculosis control to better protect cattle, alpacas and the future of our precious wildlife,” said Dyer. Numerous badgers can be culled every year, as the animals can also transmit bovine tuberculosis. The practice should expire from 2022 – too late, criticize animal rights activists. They are calling for other measures such as vaccinations for cattle.
Despite the loud protests, the government was calm. Politicians have to stick to the rules, despite all the emotions, said Minister of Economics Kwasi Kwarteng to the Sky News channel. “I think it’s a summer slump story.” Dpa
