A panel of vets has told a parliamentary inquiry that over-the-counter flea treatments for pets should be banned.

It has been reported that some environmental scientists have flagged two parasiticides found in most spot-on treatments to kill fleas and ticks on cats and dogs as being toxic to wildlife.

Giving evidence to The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee yesterday (Wednesday), the vets said they wanted to see an end to year-round preventative treatments and a ban on the sale of spot-ons containing  fipronil and imidacloprid by anyone other than vets.

The industry body representing flea treatment companies defended the use of preventive flea treatments as important for animal health.

The Lords' environment select committee heard from three vets, who said there was growing awareness that fipronil and imidacloprid were causing environmental damage and many vets have already moved away from using them.

Giving evidence were:

• Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, Senior Vice President at British Veterinary Association (BVA)
• Dr Rose Perkins, Veterinary Surgeon and Visiting Fellow at Grantham Institute
• Dr Martin Whitehead, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital

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