GERONIMO the alpaca did NOT have Bovine Tuberculosis before he was executed, his owner claims - despite Defra insisting the animal did.

       The alpaca was put to death when Defra officials in hazmat suits stormed his Gloucestershire farm after he twice tested positive for the disease.

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       A preliminary post mortem reportedly found no signs of TB in Geronimo Credit: ANDREW LLOYD

       His owner Helen Macdonald said today a preliminary post mortem suggested he was not showing signs of Bovine TB.

       But the full results could take up to three months to reveal whether he was suffering from the disease.

       Helen is now calling for the Secretary of State George Eustice to step down over the claims.

       Surrounded by supporters outside Defra's Westminster offices, she said: "Geronimo was a blessing in my life. He touched the world. He was loved and precious to very many people and he lives on.

       "I miss him. But I will do him the honour of fighting for him and making sure his legacy lives on for all animals."

       Lawyers for Helen confirmed she had received a letter from the Government Legal Department containing the preliminary findings.

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       A statement added: "As reviewed by Dr Iain McGill and Dr Bob Broadbent, the preliminary gross post-mortem findings are negative for visible lesions typical of Bovine Tuberculosis."

       The team said there were typical symptoms of TB in the animal - including enlarged abscesses in the lungs.

       They confirmed more testing is now needed with Helen urging Geronimo's samples to be preserved so she can get an independent expert to help.

       But Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:“We have completed the initial post-mortem examination of Geronimo.

       “A number of TB-like lesions were found and in line with standard practice these are now undergoing further investigation.

       “These tests include the developing of bacteriological cultures from tissue samples which usually takes several months - we would expect to complete the full post-mortem and culture process by the end of the year.”

       SENTENCED TO DEATH

       The alpaca was put to death on August 31 - bringing an end to the saga that has gripped the UK.

       Protesters clashed with Defra hitman as they swooped on the farm to lead Geronimo to his death.

       Almost 150,000 Brits had signed an online petition to save his life after Helen insisted the two positive tests for TB were faulty.

       But a High Court judge ruled the animal was a danger to others with a warrant signed for his destruction.

       Tearful Helen said at the time she was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice and step in the way of any gunman told to kill her beloved alpaca.

       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.”

       Helen Macdonald fought to keep the alpaca alive 4

       Geronimo the alpaca was pictured being led to his death from a Gloucestershire farm Credit: SWNS 4

       The animal was loaded into a horsebox and driven off under police escort Credit: SWNS

       Geronimo the alpaca killed after trying to escape hazmat-wearing Defra team as TB legal row ends