I AM chairman of Sholing Valleys Study Centre, which has more than 20 years' experience with the so-called ASBO horses (Daily Echo, January 21).

I agree that any aggressive animal or in danger of physical harm must be cared for as quickly as possible. However, without these animals the Botany Bay Meadow at Miller's Pond would not exist in its present form, flora wise, because of the horses grazing.

This is also why we have such open areas in the New Forest and the National Trust, among other reputable bodies, use animals to manage their land.

These animals are normally very well looked after and many live to a ripe old age because of the care they get.

However, the animals have often been taunted by third parties, hence they have reacted. While I agree with the sentiment of these proposals, I hope the authorities look into one of the major causes.

CHRIS FRY, chairman, Sholing Valleys Study Centre.

DOES the city council really wish to deprive us and our children of the sight of grazing horses and the delightful feature of the horse drawn buggies that are unique to this city area?

This would surely be the effect of the animal ASBOs and draconian fines. An animal can harm no one beyond the length of its tether.

It may not have been intended by the council but I perceive a feeling against the ethnic minority gypsy owners of these animals.

As for hygiene issues - horse dung is far less offensive than the plentiful dog mess in open spaces. Perhaps attention could be paid to controlling that.

This appears to me like a jobsworth ruling.

RICHARD EVANS, Woolston, Southampton.