Lords urge curb on over-the-counter pet flea treatments to protect wildlife

A House of Lords environment committee urges restricting pet flea and tick spot-on treatments to professionals only, citing environmental risks from ingredients such as fipronil and imidacloprid that have been found in UK streams. The report recommends fewer over-the-counter sales, a risk-based approach to use, vet-led provisioning, clearer packaging warnings, and further research into environmental impacts; the government says it is reviewing availability to ensure correct usage, while industry groups defend the role of risk-based use in protecting animal and public health.