Going to shift gears a little bit, as I've been meaning to post on this for awhile but other things have kind of come up.
In yet another study by the National Canine Research Council, the revealed yet another instance of the media's over-reporting of pit bull bites compared to attacks by other types of dogs. The study references four fairly major attacks (including one felony) that happened over a four day period.
The first three attacks (including the fatality), were reported in a total of four media outlets.
The fourth attack, by a pit bull (probably the least major of the group of attacks) was reported in over 230 news outlets, including CNN, MSNBC and Fox News.
They've done several of these before, it's just another example of the way the media has over-hyped "pit bull" attacks compared to those by other breeds -- or were just plain wrong in their reporting of attacks.
Another shameless plug here, but Jim Crosby, one of the consultants for the NCRC will also be speaking at the Canine Legislation Conference here in Kansas City on September 15 and 16. As if you need another reason to attend, right?
In another interesting bit, I found this artilc on the PR Newswire, which is used by most major news outlets to receive press releases. No media outlet has chosen to report on these findings...
Gosh Brent and Michelle, this is extremely serious stuff! But what do we do with it, other than send it out to everyone we know? Do you think there is anyway in h-ll to file a class action suit against the media? Allowing the media to report whatever they feel like is a very serious offense, esp in that their reports are inaccurate, exaggerated and often LIES.
Posted by: Becky Dyer | September 01, 2007 at 10:41 PM
I'm not sure Becky what to do with the info. It's evident what is happening...but is anyone listening?
Just keep telling people the info. Over and over. It's the only way to get it through their thick skulls...
Posted by: Brent | September 04, 2007 at 09:06 AM