Two Events Spotted in St. Mary's & St. James Ward!

We've just caught wind of two interesting events happening soon in the St. Mary's & St. James Ward that you might want to mark in your diaries.

1. Fun Dog Show at Foots Cray Meadows!

Get your furry friends ready! The Friends of Footscray Meadows are hosting a Fun Dog Show on Saturday, 7th June, starting at 11am. Head over to the Foots Cray Meadows Information Centre for what promises to be a delightful day out for dogs and their humans. We hear the theme is "Houndwatch," so perhaps some spy-themed canine costumes might even make an appearance! Sounds like a tail-wagging good time for a great cause.

2. St. Mary's & St. James Ward Police Public Meeting

For those keen to connect with their local police team, there's a Public Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 17th June 2025, at 7pm. This meeting, announced via the North Cray Residents Association, will be held at The Old Dartfordians Rugby Club, Bourne Road, Bexley DA14 1LW.

It's always a good opportunity to hear directly from the ward team about local policing matters, raise any concerns, and generally engage with those working to keep our community safe.

We're guessing that the BBNWA (Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association) might not have been directly informed of this meeting by the ward team or via the SNB (Safer Neighbourhood Board), so we'll be sure to add this to our relevant slots on the blog and newsletter to help spread the word far and wide.

Make sure to pop these dates in your calendar and support these valuable community events!

Microchipping Pets and the GDPR: What You Need to Know

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). The UK GDPR is the UK's implementation of the GDPR.

Microchipping pets is a way of identifying them in case they get lost. It involves implanting a small chip under the skin of the pet, which contains a unique identification number. This number can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter to identify the pet and its owner.

There are some concerns that microchipping pets may violate the GDPR. This is because the chip contains personal data about the pet, such as its name, breed, and owner's contact information. However, the GDPR does allow for the processing of personal data for certain purposes, such as identification.

In the UK, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued guidance on the use of microchips for pets and the GDPR. The ICO states that microchipping pets is lawful under the GDPR, provided that the following conditions are met:

• The pet owner has given their consent to the microchipping.
• The data collected is limited to what is necessary for the purpose of identification.
• The data is kept securely and only for as long as necessary.
• The data is not transferred outside of the EEA without appropriate safeguards in place.

If you are considering microchipping your pet, it is important to be aware of the GDPR requirements. You should also check with your vet or animal shelter to see if they have any specific policies on microchipping.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The GDPR does not specifically mention microchipping pets. However, the general principles of the GDPR apply to all processing of personal data, including microchipping.
• The ICO's guidance on microchipping pets is helpful, but it is not legally binding. If you have any concerns about the GDPR, you should seek legal advice.
• It is important to remember that the GDPR is a complex piece of legislation. If you are unsure about how it applies to microchipping pets, you should seek advice from a qualified professional.

Microchip company refuses to tell woman where her lost cat was due to data protection.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/02/warning-about-unauthorised-pet.html

Pet Theft Awareness Week

 🐾 Do not leave dog’s unattended

🐾 Do not Leave them in cars or
      Outside shops.

🐾 Vary your walking route.

🐾 Make sure they are neutered.

🐾 Make sure their chip details
      are up to date.

 

Click each image to view enlarged

Vicki Hudson
07702 194148

Dog Fatality - Witness Appeal

On Saturday 26th February at approx. 10.45am a Cockapoo was attacked by an escaped dog and sadly died of it's injuries.  The Cockapoo's owner was walking in Belvedere Road, Bexleyheath (Long Lane end), when the reddy/brown dog (possibly a Bully type breed) appeared from nowhere, totally out of control.  The dog had no collar or lead.

The police managed to capture the dog and are in the process of confirming the breed and tracing the owners.  If you witnessed the attack please contact Claire at Neighbour Hound Watch by emailing bexleynw@outlook.com or ringing 07496 385471. 

 

Date: 03/03/2022 - Update:-

🛑 Witness appeal 🛑

Serious attack by Dog Danson Park 01/03/22

On 1st of March at approx. 09.30hrs a lady was walking her puppy at Danson park when she was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the dog was large, light grey with a white chest.

The puppy received puncture wounds to it's back legs and the victim received a significant facial injury which has required plastic surgery.

This is now subject of a police enquiry.

The male is white 40-50 years old, approx. 5 feet 7/8 tall with grey stubble he was wearing a green Parker coat with fur around the hood pulled up.

If you witnessed this event and can help please contact Claire Tack at Bexley Hound Watch at bexleynw@outlook.com.

This is a serious incident that has caused a serious injury and we need witnesses to come forward to enable a prompt investigation.

Kind regards
BBNWA office

Warning about unauthorised pet microchip registry

*WARNING - ‼️Please share on all sites your on. We need to make owners aware that they may not be on a DEFRA approved database and this will have a major impact if their dogs are scanned after going missing or escaping. 

This could be why as scanners we are seeing more and more unregistered chips when we find dogs.

They are the top search for microchipping and do not mention they are not DEFRA approved. 

Why? 

BECAUSE THEY WANT YOUR MONEY‼️❗️

🛑Scam Microchip Database 🛑 

Some people register their pets microchip on the fraudulent microchip database which is allowed to be number one on Google search!  

If you are on UkPetChipRegistry UK database with up to date contact information your pets microchip will read as unregistered!  Defra know about this!!!

Warning about unauthorised pet microchip registry

https://www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy/news-room/2021/warning-about-unauthorised-pet-microchip-registry 

You must make sure that your dog is registered on one of the following databases (they all meet government standards):

• Animal Microchips
• Animal Tracker
• Chipworks
• Identibase
• MicroChip Central
• MicroDogID
• My Animal Trace
• MyPet
• National Veterinary Data Service
• Pet Chip Register
• Pet Identity UK
• Petlog
• PetScanner
• ProtectedPet
• SmartTrace
• UK PETtrac MicroChip Database
• We Trace Pets

Check which Database you are on and call them to make sure they have your correct contact information: https://www.check-a-chip.co.uk

More info:- https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped

Warning about unauthorised pet microchip registry

www.tradingstandards.uk (https://www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy/news-room/2021/warning-about-unauthorised-pet-microchip-registry)

*Source: Vicki Hudson (Facebook)

Message to dog walkers in Bexley

 

If you walk your dogs in Bexley why not join Bexley Neighbourhood Watch's  - Houndwatch Scheme, once signed up you will receive emails warning of attempted dog theft, dog attacks etc in the Borough, in return we ask that you keep us informed of anything you see while walking your Hound. This could be a suspicious person or vehicle, drug taking, fly tipping or criminal damage. We can then pass this information onto either the police or the council.

To join the scheme, Click and complete the Hound Watch online form OR Scan the QR code below to join Hound Watch and submit the form. It is FREE to join!

Scan QR code for Hound Watch Registration

For more information about this new initiative on dog theft Safety advice, reporting and alerts, visit our Facebook page.

Puppy theft campaign appeal in Kent

 

With puppy smuggling, illegal breeding and organised dog theft on the rise, we have launched a campaign this week across Kent appealing for anonymous information on those behind the crime.

The four-week campaign, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, will reach out to people who know or suspect individuals involved in organised puppy crime, to remind them that they can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously with the information they may have, however small.

The four-week campaign, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, will reach out to people who know or suspect individuals involved in organised puppy crime, to remind them that they can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously with the information they may have, however small. 
 

GIVE INFORMATION ANONYMOUSLY

In the South East region alone, dog theft cases have increased by 33% since 2018, to a high of 163 last year and nationwide, there has been a 250% increase in dog thefts during the pandemic.*  

The campaign will encourage people to spot the signs that something may not be quite right when purchasing a new dog, which are as follows:
 

• The price isn’t right. Being offered an expensive breed for a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ price is a big warning sign and the poor welfare of a dog is the cost. 
• The puppy is too young. Puppies should not be taken from their mum until they are at least eight weeks old in the UK. Outside of the UK, it is 15 weeks. A good breeder will never sell puppies younger than this. Also be concerned if there is no image of the puppy’s mum on the advert, or there is only an image of the mother alone.
• Lots of breeds for sale. Criminals often have many breeds available at the same time and won’t be able to answer your questions about them. A reputable breeder usually specialises in one breed and knows all about them.
• Strange meeting places. Criminals will often suggest meeting somewhere public, like a car park, to show you the puppies. This is a big warning sign as they don’t want you to see the conditions the puppies are kept in.

“We know criminal gangs have been profiting from the pandemic and your desire to have a canine companion, which is totally unacceptable. The money handed over could actually be funding organised crime.

“It’s possible that a puppy bought from a criminal hasn’t been looked after well or vaccinated, which could contribute to the spread of disease and the puppy getting ill and dying prematurely. It is important to take the time to ensure you are buying a puppy from an authorised breeder. Or alternatively look at taking on a dog from one of the many well-run rescue centres who have many dogs who are desperate for a loving home.

“If you are suspicious of a seller, you can tell the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. Since 1988, when Crimestoppers began, we have always kept our promise of anonymity to the millions who have trusted us with their crime information.

“You can call our UK Contact Centre, which is open 24/7, on freephone number 0800 555 111 or you can fill out our simple and secure anonymous online form. Your information could make all the difference in putting a stop to puppy crime.”

Peter Rolington, Chairman of the Crimestoppers in Kent Volunteer Committee

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR NEW CAMPAIGN HERE
 

***In an emergency, always call 999. To report crime 100% anonymously, fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call the Crimestoppers Contact Centre 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year***

Source: Crimestoppers

Ruff time for animal lovers as scale of pandemic pet fraud unleashed by Action Fraud

 

Data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that £2,638,323 was lost by prospective pet owners in the 2020/21 financial year, after they put down deposits for pets they saw advertised online – an increase of over 20 per cent  compared to the previous financial year.

Capitalising on the rise in people getting pets due to the national lockdowns caused by coronavirus, criminals have been posting fake adverts on social media, online marketplaces and specific pet-selling platforms.

Unsuspecting victims will be asked to pay a deposit for the pet without seeing it in person first, with many criminals using the restrictions caused by the pandemic as a reason why they cannot see the animal. After the initial payment is made, more and more funds will be requested to cover additional costs such as insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.

Pauline Smith, Director of Action Fraud, said:

“Criminals have, and will continue to use, the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to scam unsuspecting victims.

“It’s important that if you’re considering purchasing a pet online, that you follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign by taking a moment to stop and think – it could protect you and your money.

“We would always recommend that you view the animal in person before paying any money. If you cannot see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and do not pay any money until you’re certain it’s genuine.”

In the 2020/21 financial year, Action Fraud received over 400 reports a month from victims of pet fraud. Over a quarter (29 per cent) of victims were aged 20 to 29 years old, and almost three quarters (74 per cent) of victims were aged 20 to 49 years old.

During April and May 2020, Action Fraud received more than 800 reports per month of pet fraud, indicating that many animal lovers sought to purchase a pet during the first national lockdown.

Dogs and puppies were the most reported animal victims claimed they were trying to purchase (71 per cent), followed by cats and kittens (20 per cent).

Victims reported being scammed on social media (11 per cent), online marketplaces (25 per cent) and specific pet-selling platforms (37 per cent).

Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign today (Monday 26 July 2021) to remind the public to think twice before handing over their money when buying a pet online.

How to protect yourself

Do your research: if you’re making a purchase from a website or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. Look up reviews of the website or person you’re buying from. If you’re purchasing an item from an online marketplace, you can view the seller’s feedback history before going ahead with the purchase.

Trust your instincts: if you’re unable to view the animal in person, ask for a video call. If you’re buying a young animal, make sure you’re able to see the mother and rest of the litter. Any responsible seller will understand why you want to view the animal in person. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, do not pay any money until you’re certain it’s genuine.

Choose your payment method wisely: avoid paying by bank transfer. Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give you a better chance of recovering your money if you become a victim of fraud.

When things go wrong: Anyone can fall victim to fraud. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Action Fraud also advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud.

• Stop: taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• Challenge: could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Source: Action Fraud (26-07-2021)

Houndwatch Warning Footscray Meadows : an urgent warning to dog walkers

A person who lives in The Grove reported via her daughter who lives the other side of five arches in Albany Park. She informed that as she walked her dog into the entrance near Royal Road there were 2 foxes lying together sadly dead. There was no sign of trauma so presumed it could be poison or pollution.

Although not sure what, this is a warning to dog owners who walk their dog of potential risk to their pets in this area.

Dogs & Water: Message to Houndwatch Members

Potential role of veterinary flea products in widespread pesticide contamination of English rivers

[Click image to view enlarge]

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720370911

Bexley Houndwatch - new initiative

Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association are pleased to announce a new initiative – HOUNDWATCH.

We have formed a new partnership with The Missing Paw Team UK.

This is designed to help prevent dog thefts, collate and raise awareness of antisocial behaviour, and improve the overall safety of dog walkers.

We ask that you

• as a dog walker come & join us in fighting crime by registering with us for this new initiative.
• report anything suspicious that you might see while you are walking your dog.

By providing your email address we will be able to send you crime news alerts from within the borough.

What we need you to do

We need you to report anything suspicious that you might see while you are walking your dog. This information can then be circulated to warn other dog owners registered as HoundWatch members.

If you see a crime happening or there is a threat to life call 999. If a crime has already taken place or you need to report something or someone suspicious ring 101.

In both instances, you also need to report what you have witnessed by sending an email to Neighbourhood Watch/HoundWatch at bexleynw@outlook.com

To register for HoundWatch contact Claire Tack at Bexley Neighbourhood Watch via email bexleynw@outlook.com or ring 020 8284 5537.

Visit our Bexley Houndwatch Facebook Group (public) for more information about this new initiative on dog theft Safety advice, reporting and alerts.

We want to thank you for the support you give to Bexley Neighbourhood Watch.  We are very proud of our community and of the people who live in it.