Ragwort poisoning is thought to kill up to 1,000 horses each year

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray says the spread of the yellow flowering common ragwort has gone largely unchecked.

The bill would require farmers to remove ragwort growing next to equine pastures, as it can be deadly to horses.

Conservationists are anxious not to wipe out the weed altogether as it is home to about 100 insect species.

Code of practice

Ragwort is already one of five injurious plants listed in the 1959 Weeds Act, under which the government can compel landowners to take action.

Ms Murray wants to draw up a new code of practice for handling the weed similar to that in place in England and Wales.

Horses who eat ragwort can develop a fatal condition known as "the staggers" and about 500-1,000 animals are thought to die each year.