Vets are calling for a ban on homeopathy for pets claiming animals cannot benefit from the placebo effect because they are unaware they are being treated.

Danny Chambers, who teaches at the University of Edinburgh, said that homeopathy has no basis in science and prevents the use of orthodox remedies, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and even death.

More than 1,000 vets have now signed a petition, started by Mr Chambers, which calls on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to prohibit homeopathic treatments.