This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you engage with this website. We are committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information when you use this site:
- Personal details voluntarily provided (e.g. name, email address, contact number).
- Information submitted in reports, forms, or signatory submissions.
- Technical information (e.g. IP address, browser type, device identifiers, cookies).
2. Purpose of Collection
We process your information only for legitimate purposes, including:
- Administering and improving the website.
- Processing and managing report submissions.
- Providing information, resources, or responses to your queries.
- Ensuring compliance with South African law and safeguarding the platform.
3. Lawful Basis for Processing
We process personal information under POPIA on the following grounds:
- Your consent (where required).
- Compliance with legal obligations.
- Legitimate interests in operating an effective advocacy and reporting platform.
4. Sharing of Information
- We do not sell or rent personal information.
- We may share information with trusted third parties (e.g. legal authorities, animal welfare bodies, hosting providers) where required by law or in the interests of protecting animals.
- Any referral of reports is done in line with South African law.
5. Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to secure personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
6. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes above or as required by law.
7. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
- Request correction or deletion of your data.
- Object to processing in certain circumstances.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at: [Insert contact email].
8. Cookies
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. You can adjust browser settings to refuse cookies, but this may affect functionality.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Disclaimers
The following disclaimers apply to all use of this site:
- By engaging with this website or becoming a signatory, you acknowledge that such participation does not constitute endorsement of any individual, organisation, or professional, nor does it imply endorsement of you by us.
- We are not veterinary professionals or certified animal behaviourists. Information shared on this platform is provided in good faith, often with permission from qualified professionals, but it is not a substitute for professional veterinary or behavioural advice.
- We are not authorised animal inspectors and do not investigate or prosecute cruelty complaints directly. We can, however, refer matters to the appropriate channels and guide reporting in line with the principles of South African law.
- All content is provided “as is” for educational and advocacy purposes. We make no guarantees as to completeness, accuracy, or outcomes of any action taken based on information provided here.
- Users remain responsible for their own actions, decisions, and compliance with applicable laws when using this site or acting on its content.