Hang on a sec, it’s not as if the Sun and Express made up the story is it? Did you actually read the BBC story? It included this:

“An RSPCA spokeswoman said the charity had been informed of the ending of the investigation.

“She said the first vet consulted had told the RSPCA that the dog’s condition was consistent with the account given by the puppy’s owners of the attack.

“She said anyone with more information or any witnesses should contact the RSPCA.”

Not quite a damning indictment of tabloid journalism, is it?

“Law and order. Outrage. Social breakdown. Hooligans. Evil. Youth culture. All those words appeared in the tabloids in the wake of an attack that never happened.”
Hagley Road to Ladywood.

Yesterday’s Daily Star ran with ‘Is Maddie a Muslim?’ claiming she might have been abducted by slave traders, and accompanied by a picture of what she’d look like now if she was a Muslim.

Apparently she’d be brown.

By contrast the articles above are trivial at worst. ‘Kicked to death by Muslims’ might be worth a comment.

All the story demonstrates is that people with learning difficulties might not always be reliable witnesses.

@ Shatterface

All the story demonstrates is that people with learning difficulties might not always be reliable witnesses.

Red card. Disablist comment.

The Orator’s support for this kind of journalism is a bit weird and as for disablist comments, has it been confirmed by Learning Difficulties Watch that the people in question did indeed have learning difficulties?

And pagar, wee bone to pick with you regarding your perpetuation of a nasty smear about me, you’d do well to email me so we can clear this up.

I seem to recall reports of animal abuse had increased quite significantly in recent years?

Is the intention of the main item to highlight inept reporting, in which case I agree, or to suggest that animals do not suffer appalling cruelty, in which case we are moving into much more contentious territory?

Remember any amateur psychologist will tell you that animal torture amongst youngsters is an extremely worrying indicator of future antisocial behaviour (see Ian Brady, et al)

Maybe we should have a ban on people reading newspapers. I’m sure if this could be implemented the country would be a safer, less fearful, more intelligent and wise plus a happier place.

@11 It’s over inept reporting/fabricated stories, which I’m sure we all agree is unacceptable.

Otherwise, you find me in agreement. Cruelty to animals is an indicator of general ‘scumbagness’.