The National Pony Society is pleased to be supporting the British Horse Society’s Ragwort Awareness Week, and is working alongside the BHS to highlight the importance of eradicating this toxic weed.
From 14th – 21st April, when ragwort is in its initial growing stage, the BHS is encouraging horse owners to organise “Ragwort Pulling Parties”. The National Pony Society is endorsing their campaign and also working to highlight the problem to local authorities, as ragwort is often found on highway verges.
Caroline Nokes, Chief Executive of the NPS says:
“This is an important campaign, aimed at stopping the spread of this harmful weed. Ragwort is covered under the provisions of the 1959 Weeds Act and the more recent 2003 Ragwort Control Act, and can cause liver failure and death in equines.
“It is of particular concern where animals can roam freely, and the NPS has a special interest in the welfare of Mountain and Moorland ponies.
“However, it can affect all horses, and one of our real worries is that ragwort often is left untreated on highway verges. The NPS is contacting local authorities in rural areas, requesting that they take early action to address this year’s growth before it reaches the flowering stage and has the chance to spread.”