Thirty police officers were sent to their retreat in West Wales to enforce the removal of Shambo, the bull under a death sentence after being diagnosed with TB. Using bolt cutters to gain access to the centre, they found a chanting crowd devoted to peace - and the six-year-old Friesian they regard as sacred. The temple devotees have tried for weeks to win a reprieve for Shambo.
But last night, after a peaceful stand-off which lasted more than 12 hours, the bull was led past crying children to be taken away and slaughtered.