Dog attacks and the media

The news is viewed by most as a way to obtain information about what is going on in the world around them. Many Americans listen, read, or watch the news with an uncritical eye.

Unfortunately, the news media is infamous for misinformation and bias in every genre of story.

It seems that the news has become less and less a source of reliable information. More and more it becomes simply another form of sensationalized entertainment.

It's all about the ratings. Fear and violence sell. Human interest stories and other "good" news do not. Educational information also does not sell...unless it's how to employ duct tape and plastic sheeting to protect your family in a chemical or biological attack (which it will not, by the way.)

That's why in most stories on animal attacks we hear in detail the gory damage that was done, dramatic and sensationalized descriptions of the attack itself, and quotes from neighbors and authorities about how horrible it was.

What we rarely (if ever) see, is a news report that ever attempts to even briefly touch on what may have triggered the attack, any correlations being drawn about circumstance, and any suggestions on how to avoid this kind of attack in the future.

Granted, a reporter or journalist is trained to be a reporter or journalist...not an animal behaviourist. However, it is part and parcel with reporting the news that only accurate, relevant information be reported.

Part of being a good reporter is being able to dig up the "dirt". They have the resources to consult veterinarians, trainers, and behaviourists for opinions on a case. They simply choose not to, or choose only to use commentary that makes the story seem more entertaining or frightening.

Reporters also embellish the facts to make them more interesting. A 45 pound lab/pit mix can often magically transform into a 120 pound pit bull, for example.

In video news, editors often remove parts of a witness statement to make it sound like they are saying something entirely different then their intent. Such as, "Dogs are dangerous when they are in the wrong hands." Can become "Dogs are dangerous."

The news media has many opportunities, every day, to actually educate it's viewers/readers. I believe it also has the responsibility to do so. If these stories of dog attacks would even just briefly touch on causation and prevention, instead of just entertaining with sensationalized horror, imagine how many families could be spared the terror of a dog attack, simply by knowing what to watch for and how to find help in prevention.