Ragwort

During my walk through McIntyres Field on Sunday I noticed a that there were a lot of uprooted Ragwort plants that had been left on the footpath through the field.
This concerned me, I wondered who had been pulling it out and for what reason.
I understand that it is toxic to mammals such as Horses and Cattle if eaten, the pathway through the meadow is used by horse riders to access the bridleway at the top. I wondered if riders have been pulling the plants.
Whoever is responsible seems unaware that the plants are more dangerous left strewn on the pathways, where they could be handled by toddlers or eaten by passing animals who find it more palatable when dry!