The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is hearing the final day of in-person evidence on pet parasite medication today (June 23).
The short inquiry focused on treatments containing pesticides of concern such as fipronil and imidacloprid and was triggered by concerns raised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the Environment Agency about the presence of these chemicals in British watercourses, potentially damaging the delicate ecosystems. The VMD has proposed changing the status of certain pet parasite treatments from a general licence to restricting them for sale only through vets, pharmacists, or Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in stores.
Giving evidence today are Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at government department Defra; Abigail Seager and Francine Fernandez from the VMA; and Dr Robert Bradburne, chief scientist at the Environment Agency.
The committee is expected to ask about the evidence base for suggested environmental impacts of the chemicals, and the current sufficiency of advice and guidance to pet owners regarding treatments.
