AN MP has written to the RSPCA demanding that animal lover Pat Seager gets her pets back in time for Christmas.

On Friday, Frank Field visited the "heartbroken" pensioner who had her wildlife hospital stormed by the charity and police earlier this year.

They boxed up and removed more than 15 domestic and wild animals and later presented the 70-year-old with a bill for £1,700 for them to care for her birds.

In a letter to RSPCA chairman Michael Tomlinson, Mr Field says: "I am writing to ask you to release Pat's two dogs and two cats so that they can be with her this Christmas.

"The RSPCA does invaluable work but I do question your judgement in this instance."

In the letter, copied to other MP's including Ann Widdecombe, he demands answers from the organisation and adds: "As a result of this action, the RSPCA has had appalling press for Pat is well known throughout the whole of the peninsula and beyond as somebody who has devoted much of her life to the welfare of animals."

Pat, who has been caring for animals subjected to cruelty for over 30 years, said: "I will never give up the fight to get my animals back and with Frank's help I can see a bit more light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have been left devastated by what has happened but I am determined to battle on.

"Christmas would be marvellous if I could get my domestic pets back."

Mr Field told the Globe: "Most people agree that the RSPCA do a fine job, but I do feel that in this case they have messed up very badly.

"I see no reason at all why Pat shouldn't have her pets back for Christmas. Then maybe the RSPCA and her can sit down in the New Year and have a grown-up discussion about animal welfare."