Sir -- Every year we are subjected to hysterical warnings on the dangers of ragwort to farm animals and, indirectly, to humans.

Now we learn from Dinah Harris (August 12) that even our dogs are at risk -- enough surely to get us all out there, with rubber gloves, ridding the county of the noxious weed and resisting the temptation to ask how, after living in areas where ragwort flourished and local honey was consumed, we are now to believe that bees can transfer the toxins to honey.

We know that ragwort, particularly when dry, is poisonous to horses and cattle. Rather than attempting to eradicate a native plant by spreading fear, the British Horse Society should ensure fodder and bedding is free from it. If that means employing people to hand-pull plants prior to harvesting, so be it -- share the cost with the farmer.

The same selfish desire to control nature is displayed in the letter from Lynn Fawcett (August 13) disclaiming rights to non-human species. Life is life, but it does not all speak our language, so cannot plead its case.

BEA BRADLEY

Cuxham Road

Watlington