QR dog tags could lead to legal trouble for British pet owners, tech expert reveals
As QR code dog tags become more popular, Brits need to be aware of the potential legal risks that come with their use, an expert has warned.
A QR code technology expert at QR Code Generator reveals the hidden legal issues and advises pet owners on how to stay compliant with UK law – or else face penalties such as fines and imprisonment. According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, every dog in a public place must wear a collar displaying the owner's name and address. There are some exceptions for certain working dogs, such as police dogs, sheep dogs, and guide dogs.
Failing to meet this requirement can lead to serious consequences, as Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L warns: "Dog owners who break this law can face fines, and in extreme cases, even up to six months in prison. Local authorities can seize and dispose of dogs that aren't properly labelled, and owners might have to pay for the costs of their dog's detention.
"QR code dog tags, which are popular on sites like Etsy and Amazon, usually feature a QR code that links to a webpage with the owner's information. However, these tags by themselves don't meet the legal requirements. While these tags are very useful and can store a lot of information, such as the dog's medical history, dietary needs, and emergency contacts, they shouldn't replace the traditional engraved tags. To comply with the law, QR code tags should be used as an additional feature, as it's vital that your dog's tag still displays your name and address alongside this."
Privacy is another important consideration for those using QR codes on their dog's tag, as Marc says: "You should be careful about sharing your personal information in QR codes as there's unfortunately always a risk that it'll be misused by strangers. Think about how much info you want to include in the code and whether you'd be comfortable with anyone being able to access that information.
"Practical issues can also come up if the QR code can't be scanned due to poor phone connectivity, damage to the tag, or if the finder doesn't have a smartphone. This is another reason why dog owners should make sure their dog tag has their name and address engraved as a backup. However, QR codes do offer plenty of benefits for pet owners, with some companies offering email or phone notifications when the tag is scanned. These tags can also be updated easily with new information, unlike traditional engraved tags, allowing pet owners to keep their details current without needing to repurchase.
"While QR code dog tags are a fantastic tech advance, they must be used along with traditional tags to comply with UK law. Pet owners should make sure their dog tag is legally compliant to avoid having their dog confiscated or being handed a hefty fine," QR Code Generator's Marc Porcar concludes.
