Overview

• A study found that ponds on Hampstead Heath where dogs swim contain high levels of imidacloprid and fipronil, pesticides harmful to invertebrates.
• These chemicals, banned for agricultural use due to their toxicity, are still used in flea and tick treatments for pets.
• Researchers discovered contamination levels in dog-swimming ponds were 20 times higher than the harmful threshold for aquatic life.
• Surveyed dog owners were largely unaware of the environmental risks, with 86% not knowing the potential harm of parasiticides.
• The study suggests pet owners should use treatments only when necessary to reduce environmental pollution and pest resistance.