Millions of doses of pet flea treatment are being applied unnecessarily each year, potentially causing widespread damage to the environment, peers have warned. The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is calling for a ban on the general sale of off-the-shelf and unchecked online pet treatments for fleas and ticks. Baroness Sheehan, chairwoman of the 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. “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. British Veterinary Association senior vice president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, said: “Parasiticides, like flea treatments, are vital tools in preventing, treating and protecting people and animals from disease and related welfare issues.