Ragwort control

I agree wholeheartedly with James DG Davidson regarding the scourge of the countryside, ragwort (Letters, 13 September).

The Ragwort Control Act 2004 states that the Code of Practice is admissible in enforcement proceedings under the Weeds Act, which will make it easier to prosecute those who disregard the need to control ragwort. Ragwort sheds up to 150,000 seeds per plant, capable of 70 per cent germination. It is 
especially toxic to horses and donkeys, and if owners and 
occupiers of land fail to take steps to eradicate the weed, they can be fined £1,000.

I have witnessed a horse suffering from ragwort poisoning, and have never heard or seen an animal in such excruciating pain. Thankfully, the vet attending the stricken animal put it out of its misery.

TRSS, the governing body of recreational riding in Scotland, and the British Horse Society have been working hard to make landowners and occupiers of land aware of the dangers and their responsibility to eradicate this poisonous weed.

George Tait

Trekking and Riding 
Society of Scotland

Tweeddale Crescent,

Gifford, East Lothian