It’s called ethical reporting
Reporters don’t take an oath to do no harm. For those of us who take this profession seriously, it’s a no-brainer. We consistently ask two questions: Can I? Should I? While I’m legally allowed to report on this, should I report on it?
Ethical reporting is the practice of providing accurate, fair, and transparent information. However, it also includes a responsibility to minimize harm, while you maintain editorial and professional independence free from undue influence.
It’s not an easy path to travel. During my time at the Southern Standard, Grundy County Herald and now, at Warren County Way, I have had to make tough decisions and stand by them when questioned.
Case in point, “Why didn’t you report on the dogs being euthanized at Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center?”
When I asked myself those two questions – Can I? Should I? – the answers came back “yes” and “no,” respectively.
Those dogs are too dangerous to be adopted out, so the only reason to report on their eventual demise would be to stir people up and make targets of commissioners and staff at the center. While I knew other news outlets would report on it just for the attention it gave them, my ethics wouldn’t allow me to do it.
I’ve spent decades and thousands of dollars rescuing cats and dogs, getting them veterinary care and finding them good homes. Not three weeks ago, I found a small kitten that was dumped along the side of the highway. I spent more than $100 and found it what I believed was a wonderful home.
People can choose to be part of the solution or part of the problem, when it comes to the excessive number of unwanted animals in the community. I want to be part of the solution. Euthanasia, the painless killing of an animal, breaks my heart. The first thing I asked center staff was, “Is there one with a hope of being rehabilitated? Because I lost my American Bulldog about a year ago to old age, a dog that was slated for euthanasia due to looking mean, I was willing to consider adoption. The reply I received was, “No, none of them can be. They’re just dangerous.”
I’d like each of you to go to your closest mirror and ask yourself this: “What I’m I doing to be part of the solution?” Have you offered to volunteer at animal control? Do you donate food? Do you rescue? Do you spay and neuter? Do you foster? Do you offer to spay or neuter your neighbor’s animal, because you know they haven’t? Do you properly socialize my animal to make it friendly around strangers? Do you walk your dog on a leash and keep it properly contained to your property?
There are so many ways in which people can become part of the solution, both big impacts and small ones. Yet, we have some who just can’t wait for the opportunity to jump on Facebook and criticize those who day-to-day must deal with the problem society has created and continues to turn a blind eye to.
No, I had no intentions of reporting on the dogs slated for euthanasia at animal control. If you need fuel for your personal fire, you won’t get it from me. I’ll not put a needless target on the backs of commissioners and center staff merely for likes, comments and shares. I’ll leave that to less reputable sources and hold onto my belief that just because I can report on it, it doesn’t mean I should.