MINISTER TO BACK EQUINE WELFARE RAGWORT CAMPAIGN

The Agriculture Minister Baroness Hayman is to give an address on the dangers of Ragwort at an equine welfare seminar that aims to advise landowners on the control of this lethal weed.

Organised by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) the seminar on April 4th will bring together leading experts on control measures while one local authority that has successfully implemented a control strategy will be sharing the secrets of its success.

NEWC Chairman Nigel Davenport says “Nobody in a position of responsibility for large areas of land can afford to miss this event, at which we are delighted to have the support of a Government Minister. Ragwort is poisonous, not just to horses but to all livestock and by letting it spread thousands of animals are at risk of serious illness or even death. I urge every major land-owning organisation to apply for their place now as tickets are limited and I am sure they will be snapped up fast.”

Further information about the seminar is available from NEWC Secretary Elaine Cannon on 01295 810060 or Catherine Morriss at the Donkey Sanctuary on 01395 578222

The yellow flowering Ragwort is one of the most frequent causes of plant poisoning of livestock in Britain. It is an injurious weed specified under the Weeds Act 1959 and it is an offence to allow Ragwort to spread.

Baroness Hayman is Minister of State for Agriculture and holds specific responsibility within the department for horse issues and matters of animal health.

The seminar takes place at the Saddlers Hall in London on Wednesday April 4th and tickets cost £40 per person and include luncheon.