The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has
found that the intensive and unnecessary overuse of Pet Parasite
Medications (PPMs), often promoted by the pet pharmaceutical
industry, is not supported by robust scientific evidence.
Moreover, through their release into the environment from our
homes, they are potentially causing widespread damage to aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems.
The cross-party Committee's report Paws for Concern: Pets,
Parasites and Pollution published today (Wednesday
5 August), is calling for a ban on the general sale of
off-the-shelf and unchecked online pet treatments for fleas and
ticks. The Committee argues that pet owners should receive a
thorough assessment of the needs of their pets and advice about
the potential health and environmental risks of pet
parasiticides.
After hearing from a range of witnesses including; vets, pet
charities, retailers, ecologists, academics, research institutes,
regulators and the Government, the Committee also raise concerns
about how the pet pharmaceutical industry appears to be
worryingly embedded within the regulatory and advice-setting
frameworks.
The Committee is calling on the Government to:
- establish a clear and comprehensive evidence base on the use
of PPMs, including the volume of products sold, the proportion of
pets routinely treated, and the prevalence of pet parasites;
- ensure that research, with appropriate financial
contributions from the pet pharmaceutical industry,
addresses as a matter of priority the significant evidence gaps
between the environmental impacts of PPMs and the potential risks
to human health;
- require more rigorous (Phase II) Environmental Risk
Assessments for all existing and future PPMs as soon as possible;
- advocate for a more precautionary approach to PPM use to
reduce the number of unnecessary treatments, particularly for
low-risk animals. This includes strengthening advice and
guidance, ensuring PPMs cannot be sold without qualified advice
(including online), and making risks more visible on packaging.
- review the relationship between the industry and UK and
international veterinary medicine regulators, to ensure that
any risk of regulatory capture is removed and give confidence
that appropriate and independent guidance is prioritised;
, Chair of the House of
Lords Environment and Climate Change 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 over-use 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.
