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?
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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.