They Shoot Cows, Don't They?

Our sister magazine Editor & Publisher has a story about a photo in a Pennsylvania newspaper that struck a strange nerve. Here's why some readers had a beef with the paper:

"When two escaped cows in Danville, Pa., were shot to death by local police Tuesday morning, Editor Len Ingrassia of The Daily Item in nearby Sunbury was sure it was a Page One story.
 
"And when he saw the images captured by Photographer Robert Inglis -- including a clear photo of an officer firing a lethal shot at one of the bovine -- that left no doubt where the photo would go.
 
"'That was the most compelling photo,' said Ingrassia, who also edits the afternoon Danville News, a sister publication. 'And to run anything else would not seem to be serving the reader.'
 
"But after the Wednesday paper was published, with the shooting image on Page One, the Daily Item was the subject of nearly three-dozen complaints, Ingrassia said."

Readers will put up with war, crime, accidents, natural disasters... but nothing generates outrage like an animal in distress!

Read Joe Strupp's full story here.
Larger version of the image is here.

Comments

[john]

great insight and find w that article and photo. its amazing that there are some people who are more concerned about animals getting hurt than people. the image is pretty scary though i'll admit. any updates to the story

[Stupid Photographer]

Nevermind the stupid photo. Why the hell did they shoot the stupid cows in the first place?

[jules]

you know, this story really goes to show that people don't make the connection. A police officer shoots a cow; obviously not neccesary. But people go about their lives every day eating these same cows, that have been inhumanely treated and there is no uproar over that because people have become conditioned to it. We aren't shown pictures of a meat processing plant. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors, unless you seek it out yourself. Do yourself a favor, and open your eyes to the truth. If you actually can handle the truth, I'm sure you'll be compelled to do something. This is America.