More on poinsettias

To the editor: I am writing to you concerning the article published in the Pike County Courier of Friday, Nov. 23. I am taking the liberty of sending you several printouts that are readily available from very reputable organizations, such as Cornell University, (http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plfaq_frame.d2w/report2?num-312) Purdue University, (http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant08.htm ) and the ASPCA (http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/ ). All these groups state that although the poinsettia is not sufficiently toxic to cause death, it does state that they are toxic and will make a pet sick. It clearly states that poinsettias cause mouth sores and gastrointestinal disturbances. Although the poinsettia will not cause death, what it does cause is serious enough. Why would you print a very misleading article such as this? Just because an animal will not die, does the suffering it causes mean nothing? I think your readers deserve to know the whole truth about these toxic plants. Joy Pilla, vice-president Pike County Humane Society Milford Editor’s note: Stewart’s comments in the referenced article were based on information from the Society of American Florists, which details negative impact studies done at Ohio State University (http://www.aboutflowers.com/holidays_b11d.html )