In response to the Government's publication of its response to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report, Paws for Concern: Pets, Parasites and Pollution.

SongBird Survival welcomes the Government's recognition that companion animal parasiticides can contribute to environmental pollution and that the regulatory framework needs improvement. In particular, the commitment to developing the exposure models and methodologies required for Phase II Environmental Risk Assessments is an important step forward.

However, we do not believe the Government's response reflects the urgency of the Committee's findings or the strength of the evidence already available. The Committee concluded that sufficient evidence already exists to justify precautionary action and a move towards more targeted, risk-based use of companion animal parasiticides.

Further research and regulatory reform are needed, but they must not delay proportionate action to reduce unnecessary harm to wildlife and the environment.

We are particularly disappointed that the Government has not committed to restricting the sale of parasiticides to at least the NFA-VPS category, as recommended by the Committee. We are hopeful that the VMD's consultation on the sale of pet parasiticides, the results of which are due at the end of October 2026, will address this concern.

Requiring owners to receive individual assessment and advice before purchasing these products would help reduce unnecessary routine use while ensuring animals that need treatment continue to receive it promptly.

We are also concerned by the Government's decision not to strengthen warnings around dogs bathing and swimming after spot-on treatments. Evidence suggests environmental contamination can continue for weeks after application, increasing the risk of these chemicals entering rivers and other freshwater habitats.

Based on the Committee's findings regarding the relationship between the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, industry and international standard-setting bodies, we feel that this has not been suitably addressed by the Government Independent scrutiny is essential to ensure regulatory decisions remain transparent and robust.

The key question is no longer whether there is sufficient evidence to justify concern. The evidence is already there. The question is how quickly that evidence will be translated into meaningful action.

We urge the Government to set out a clear timetable for strengthening public advice, introducing Phase II Environmental Risk Assessments, considering advice-based supply of parasiticides and addressing concerns around regulatory independence.

Protecting pets and saving songbirds are not competing objectives. With the right approach, we can do both. Read more about our campaign here.

‍