Privacy

The Muddy Truth has no third-party tracking or advertising cookies. If you join the Muddy Brief newsletter we store only your email address, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe link.

What we count

To understand which stories are useful, we count page visits ourselves. Your browser stores a random code (in local storage) so a returning visitor is counted once per day rather than many times. The code is not linked to your name, email or any other personal details, and we do not share it.

With each visit we record the page you viewed, the date and time, and the website that referred you (for example a search engine). We do not record your IP address.

Your choice

You can stop us counting your visits on this device at any time. This removes the random code from your browser.

In the Dog House submissions

What we collect: your dog's photo, name, optional age and breed, award category and description, your email address, the time you gave consent, and a scrambled one-way code made from your internet address (kept to stop spam; it can't be turned back into the address). We remove hidden photo details such as location and camera data when you upload.

Why, and our lawful basis: we publish your photo and dog details on the basis of your consent. We use your email to administer your entry and contact you if your dog is featured, on the basis of our legitimate interest in running the feature. We only add you to our newsletter if you tick the separate box (consent).

Who sees your email: only our site administrators. It is never published or shared.

How long we keep it: published entries stay until you ask us to remove them or we retire them. Rejected entries and their photos are deleted automatically after 90 days. Removing your entry deletes the photo and all its details.

Your rights: under UK GDPR you can ask to see, correct or delete your information, withdraw consent at any time (using your private removal link or by emailing us), object to our use of it, and complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk). See the submission terms.

Health information

Our articles are general information. They are not veterinary advice. For any concern about your dog's health or behaviour, speak to a vet. In an emergency, call your vet or an out-of-hours emergency vet straight away.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email themuddytruth@ironvaledigital.com.