MADAM, I have owned ponies and horses for most of my life.

I breed Welsh Mountain ponies and miniature Shetlands. These are my pleasure, enjoyment and recreation.

On the other hand, I could shave my head, put a ring in my nose, dress like a clown, go to football matches and kick up holy hell. I could abuse policemen and throw bottles at the police horses.

I doubt if I would be put in jail for these activities, let alone be fined £5,000.

Yet, by keeping just one 30 in high woolly Shetland without a passport I could incur either, or both, of these fines. I find this situation absolutely ludicrous.

I am not causing any trouble to the police, the country, the Government or, indeed, the wretched EU, but I could still be branded as a criminal.

In any case, all my ponies have passports from their respective Breed Societies. How many passports do they need? And 'pass' what 'port'? Most of them will never 'pass down my drive', let alone 'pass a port'.

I prefer to spend my money on their upkeep and well-being rather than on making 'jobs for the boys' - and Alun Michael - at DEFRA.

Believe me, my ponies will never be slaughtered to feed Continentals with their bizarre gastronomic tendencies. I don't breed them for that.

And, finally, don't be taken in by the 'powers that be' when they tell you this legislation is for the horse's own good - that is just a load of old cobblers. It is just another infringement on our liberties by the EU.

JOAN CURRY

Bedr Farm, Erwood, Builth Wells.