Data Protection Statement

Introduction

This Data Protection Statement explains how Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search & Rescue Capture Team processes personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We are committed to protecting personal data and handling it responsibly, particularly where information may be shared publicly to assist in reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

Who We Are

Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search & Rescue Capture Team provides services to help locate, track, and safely recover lost dogs across Greater Manchester.

For the purposes of data protection law, we act as a data controller in relation to personal data collected through our website and related activities.

Types of Personal Data We Process

Depending on your interaction with us, we may process the following categories of personal data:

Personal Information

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Location details (e.g. where a dog was lost or found)

Case and Submission Data

  • Information submitted via lost or found dog reports

  • Photographs of dogs and associated details

  • Communications relating to recovery efforts

Publicly Shared Data

Some information submitted may be shared publicly to assist in locating lost dogs, including:

  • Dog descriptions and images

  • General location information

  • Contact details where necessary

Technical Data

  • IP address

  • Browser type and device information

  • Website usage data

How We Use Personal Data

We use personal data to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide support

  • Assist in locating and recovering lost dogs

  • Publish or share relevant information to support recovery efforts

  • Communicate updates relating to reported cases

  • Maintain and improve our website and services

  • Ensure security and prevent misuse

Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR:

  • Consent – where you submit information or agree to cookies

  • Legitimate interests – to operate our rescue services and facilitate reunification of lost dogs with their owners

  • Legal obligation – where required to comply with applicable law

Data Sharing

We do not sell personal data.

We may share personal data where necessary with:

  • Volunteers and team members involved in recovery efforts

  • Members of the public to assist in locating dogs (e.g. website listings, alerts)

  • Social media platforms and community groups

  • Service providers supporting our website or systems

All sharing is limited to what is necessary to achieve the purpose of reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

Public Data Considerations

Due to the nature of our services:

  • Information you provide may be made publicly available

  • Once shared publicly (including on third-party platforms), we cannot control how others may use or further distribute that information

You should carefully consider what information you choose to provide.

International Data Transfers

We do not routinely transfer personal data outside the United Kingdom.

However, where third-party services (such as social media platforms) are used, data may be processed outside the UK. In such cases, appropriate safeguards are expected to be in place.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to support recovery efforts and maintain appropriate records.

Retention periods may vary depending on whether a case remains active, resolved, or archived.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • Restricted access to information

  • Secure handling of submissions

  • Measures to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request erasure of your data (where applicable)

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Request data portability (where applicable)

  • Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details below.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this Data Protection Statement or how your data is handled, please contact:

Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search & Rescue Capture Team
Telephone: +44 7730 692173

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how your personal data is handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint with:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk/

Updates to This Statement

We may update this Data Protection Statement from time to time. Updates will be published on this page.

Last updated: 20/03/2026