It’s not just

defence lawyers complaining about the RSPCA’s approach to such cases. Birkenhead MP

Frank Field took the unusual step of writing to the courts in support of an elderly constituent

of his, who also ran a voluntary wildlife shelter. 71 year old Pat Seager admitted eight

offences of keeping wild birds in cramped conditions and failing to seek veterinary treatment

for a hedgehog. She was banned from keeping wild animals for three years. When he spoke

to File on 4, Mr Field could barely contain his dismay.

FIELD: The RSPCA have disarmed one of the great animal

lovers in Birkenhead, so all I hope is that the RSPCA, when my constituents then go to the

RSPCA to say ‘Who is going to look after these animals which are hurt and damaged?’ they

actually react positively now that they’ve closed down their unofficial headquarters in

Birkenhead. The whole thing more or less makes my blood boil, so I ought not to go on

about it, and it has made my constituents’ blood boil. I think it’s just so inept and wrong and

stupid and unfair to Pat as well.

URRY: The RSPCA’s Phil Wilson argues they did all they

could to help Mrs Seager, but in the end they were forced to act.

WILSON: She was issued with written warnings, she was offered

free veterinary care for the animals. We offered to take the animals into our own care, all of

which were refused. As a very very last resort …

URRY: She was worried that the RSPCA would put them

down.

WILSON: Rubbish. Again, on what basis?

14 1

URRY: Because you’ve put down nearly 44,500 animals were

destroyed last year.

WILSON: We’re the largest animal welfare organisation in the

world. Does it really come as a surprise to people that we have to put animals to sleep?

URRY: Well that’s what she’s worried about though, isn’t it?

And it’s a fair concern, given that you destroy such a lot of wildlife – 47,482 by your own

accounts.

WILSON: Let’s be clear. Some of the animals in Patricia

Seager’s care desperately required euthanasia.

URRY: Why did her MP write to the courts then on her behalf

saying I believe the RSPCA has grossly mistreated you, grossly mistreated ….

WILSON: Mr Field took a stance very early one, one which he’s,

let’s be honest, he’s not renowned for stepping back. Mr Field …

URRY: I think that’s what he accuses you of.

WILSON: Well, you know, pot calling the kettle black springs to

mind. Mr Field was given chapter and verse of this case by me from the outset. He hasn’t

given us one sensible argument as to why we ought not to have taken the action that we did.

All he said is, ‘Oh you shouldn’t.’

URRY: Well no, his argument is quite simple, isn’t it? That

is, that this woman has spent most of her life trying to look after animals and that it was quite

wrong of you to end up putting her before the courts and stopping her doing that. That’s his

case.

WILSON: Totally misguided, I’m afraid.