EQUESTRIAN groups have saluted Ryedale MP John Greenway for his support for a new law to govern the control of a common weed that is deadly poisonous to horses.

The Ragwort Control Bill completed its passage through parliament last Tuesday and will today receive royal assent, making it an act of Parliament.

Common ragwort is one of five weeds named in the Weeds Act 1959 and is the only one of those five poisonous to equines and other grazing animals. Animals can suffer excruciating death after its ingestion because of long-term liver damage.

The bill's journey started a year ago following the 2002 ballot for private members' bills. The British Horse Society (BHS) approached MPs asking for support for a bill to protect equines against the traumas and death resulting in consuming common ragwort. Mr Greenway, who was drawn 13th in the ballot, took up the request.

"Because I came 13th on the ballot, I thought I would have a reasonable chance to do something about a problem which is a real headache and nuisance for horse and pony owners," said Mr Greenway.

"The horse is crucially important to the Ryedale economy and leisure industry. With the passing of this bill, we have at least managed to strengthen the campaign against ragwort."

The bill forms a statutory code of practice, which will acts as guidance to landowners and public authorities on how to stop the deadly weed spreading. It could be used as evidence in prosecutions.

BHS chief executive Kay Driver said: "We are most grateful to John Greenway for sponsoring the bill, and to Baroness Masham for leading it through the House of Lords. Their names will go down in history as being actively involved in improving horse welfare."

The bill becomes law three months after adoption.

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, November 26, 2003