1. Where these guidelines apply
These guidelines apply to photos, animal details, handles, notes, lineage and keeper relationships, invitations, confirmation requests and profiles visible to at least one other user. Private records may also be reviewed to the extent submitted for a report or security response.
2. Basic principles
- Distinguish facts from observations. Leave unknown relationships unknown, and do not present guesses as facts.
- Respect people’s choices. Visibility, viewing and transfers require the authorized current keeper’s consent.
- Put animal welfare first. Do not stage dangerous poses, environments or behavior for views or promotion.
- Minimize personal information. Keep unnecessary addresses, phone numbers, transaction conversations and identity documents out of records.
3. Prohibited content and behavior
- Illegal capture or distribution of protected species, smuggling, forged documents or instructions facilitating these acts.
- Animal abuse, neglect or deliberate injury, including glorifying, encouraging or instructing others to commit such acts; credible threats of harm to people or animals.
- Targeted insults, threats, persistent harassment, coordinated bullying, hatred based on protected characteristics or incitement to violence.
- Child sexual abuse material, nonconsensual sexual content, sexual exploitation or grooming.
- Impersonating people, breeders or organizations; misleading trading partners with fabricated histories; manipulating relationship status; implying that Dogam certifies an animal, its lineage or health.
- Uploading others’ photos, writing or trademarks without permission, or abusing reports to disrupt legitimate content.
- Disclosing another person’s contact details, address, real name, transaction conversations or location without consent.
- Posting invitation or authentication links publicly, unauthorized account access, malicious links, phishing, spam, automated scraping or bypassing security.
4. Health and care information
Distinguish your own observations from a veterinarian’s diagnosis and record sources and observation periods. Missing records do not prove absence of disease. Do not assert definitive diagnoses or treatments from photos alone or promote dangerous care as universal advice. Dogam records do not replace veterinary care.
5. Reporting and blocking
Use the report action on content or user screens where available. If you cannot use it or the matter is urgent, email kjs140611@gmail.com with [Urgent report] or [Content report] in the subject. Include only the animal, screen, account and minimum details necessary to identify the issue.
Blocking restricts unwanted future access and interactions. It does not arbitrarily change existing lineage or keeper history. Where necessary, relationship nodes may retain only minimal, non-identifying information.
6. Moderation and appeals
Depending on severity, repetition, context and potential harm, the operator may hide or remove content, restrict visibility or interactions, or suspend or terminate accounts. Child safety, credible threats and exposed personal information may require immediate temporary action. Appeal by replying to the notice or emailing support with relevant facts and evidence.
7. Reporting safely
- Do not unnecessarily attach personal information or photos unrelated to the report.
- Do not download or resend suspected child sexual abuse material. Report its location instead.
- For an immediate threat to life or physical safety, contact local emergency services rather than waiting for Dogam’s response.
- Deliberately false reports and repeated abuse of reporting may result in restrictions.