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

Warning: Theft of Microchip Scanner and Orange Hi Viz Vests - Beware of Suspicious Activity

On Friday 24th February 2023, one of our volunteers' vehicles was broken into by three males. Although several items were taken, we are particularly concerned about the theft of two orange HI VIZ vests with the "Missing Paw Team" MPT logo on the left side and the words 'team leader' on the back, as well as a black halo microchip scanner.

theft of two orange HI VIZ vests with the MPT logo

theft of black halo microchip scanner

We advise the public to be cautious of anyone who approaches them to scan their dog or who knocks on their door requesting to see their dog, without prior contact with our organisation.

It is important to note that all our volunteers carry valid identification and if someone is acting suspiciously, do not hesitate to call 999 and challenge them for identification.

We want to highlight that none of our legitimate volunteers wear orange HI VIZ vests as they are specific to our special operations. The stolen items may be discarded or sold, but we want to warn the public of this incident and urge them to stay vigilant.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.themissingpawteamuk.co.uk/permalink/1564674050711238/

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