Peers have demanded a ban on the sale of off-the-shelf and unchecked online pet treatments for fleas and ticks. Members of the Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee warned that intensive use of pet flea treatments is "unnecessary and environmentally damaging".
Environmental impact of flea chemicals
Flea medicine damages the environment because potent insecticides wash down drains into rivers, contaminating soil and wildlife nests. The chemicals, such as fipronil and imidacloprid, can also kill non-target insects.
More than 3.5 million doses of spot-on flea treatment, where liquid chemicals are applied to the back of an animal's neck, are sold in the UK each year. A study published in May found that chemicals banned for use as pesticides but still used in liquid flea treatments are decimating birds and pollinators.
Committee chair's concerns
Baroness Sheehan, chairwoman of the committee, said: "Our report raises serious questions and concerns about the environmental risks of pet flea and tick treatments as well as how they are sold to pet owners.
"Their overuse on household pets is the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The lack of scientific evidence and data, poor customer guidance and the relationship between the pet medication suppliers and regulators appear as murky as the waterways these flea treatments are polluting.
"Pet owners deserve accurate evidence-based guidance on the need for, and risks of, the existing and new chemicals which are being prescribed and the impact they are having on their pets, home and the environment."
Veterinary and government response
Pet owners across the country have been advised they should treat their cats and dogs as a preventative measure every month, known as prophylactic use – although many veterinary organisations have now updated their advice.
Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice president of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Parasiticides, like flea treatments, are vital tools in preventing, treating and protecting people and animals from disease and related welfare issues. However, there's increasing evidence some of these products are damaging to the environment.
"It's positive to see this report's recommendations, which parallel many of BVA's own: we've long called for more research and for a risk-based approach to be taken when using these treatments. We also support calls for a ban on over-the-counter sales – it's important pet owners have access to professional, tailored, veterinary advice on how to use these treatments appropriately, responsibly and safely when purchasing these products."
The Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering a ban on the general sale of spot-on flea treatments.
A spokesman for Defra said: "This Government is committed to restoring nature and cleaning up our rivers whilst upholding the highest animal welfare standards.
"While these treatments play a vital role in public and pet health against fleas and ticks, it is right that we assess the availability of these treatments to ensure correct usage by owners.
"The Veterinary Medicines Directorate have recently consulted on this as an important step towards reducing forever chemicals in our waterways and protecting the nation's wildlife."
