2011 National Press Club Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award Winners
Print/Online:
"Even His Red Squeak Toy Can't Get First Sgt. Gunner, USMC, to Fight" by Michael M. Phillips, The Wall Street Journal
By telling the story of Gunner, a bomb-sniffing yellow lab who couldn't handle the stress of combat in
Afghanistan, Michael Phillips draws attention to the trauma that many dogs undergo when assigned to the front lines in war. His compelling narrative shows that, just like humans, dogs can suffer from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
Luckily for Gunner, who was found unfit for combat, there was a happy ending. After Phillips’ story appeared, scores of readers asked how they could adopt him. Phillips forwarded the offers to the Marine Corps who chose a couple whose son was killed in Iraq. Phillips' vivid writing and sensitive touch helped to put a spotlight on the dangers and stress experienced by man’s best friend in times of war.
Broadcast:
"The Dog Factory", "BP's Voiceless Victims" and "The Incredible Inedible Lie", Brad Woodard, KHOU-TV, Houston.
For a second time, reporter Brad Woodard of KHOU, Houston, has won this award for a body of work that made a difference for animals. In his report, "The Dog Factory", Woodard spent months documenting horrific conditions at a puppy mill in Panola County, Texas. Using a hidden camera, he captured shocking scenes of the neglect and suffering of hundreds of dogs. He purchased some of the dogs from the breeder to have them independently examined by a veterinarian. Not only did Woodard's findings result in the puppy mill being shut down, he also linked it to a prominent pet store in Houston.
Currently, there are no laws regulating the commercial breeding industry in Texas. Woodard's story was shown in the state legislature by law makers who want to more closely regulate the industry and, now, a bill is pending.
In 2010, Woodard also filed stories on the effects of the BP oil spill on wildlife in Louisiana and on the deplorable conditions uncovered at an egg factory in Texas, which is one of the largest in the nation.
"Even His Red Squeak Toy Can't Get First Sgt. Gunner, USMC, to Fight" by Michael M. Phillips, The Wall Street Journal
By telling the story of Gunner, a bomb-sniffing yellow lab who couldn't handle the stress of combat in
Afghanistan, Michael Phillips draws attention to the trauma that many dogs undergo when assigned to the front lines in war. His compelling narrative shows that, just like humans, dogs can suffer from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
Luckily for Gunner, who was found unfit for combat, there was a happy ending. After Phillips’ story appeared, scores of readers asked how they could adopt him. Phillips forwarded the offers to the Marine Corps who chose a couple whose son was killed in Iraq. Phillips' vivid writing and sensitive touch helped to put a spotlight on the dangers and stress experienced by man’s best friend in times of war.
Broadcast:
"The Dog Factory", "BP's Voiceless Victims" and "The Incredible Inedible Lie", Brad Woodard, KHOU-TV, Houston.
For a second time, reporter Brad Woodard of KHOU, Houston, has won this award for a body of work that made a difference for animals. In his report, "The Dog Factory", Woodard spent months documenting horrific conditions at a puppy mill in Panola County, Texas. Using a hidden camera, he captured shocking scenes of the neglect and suffering of hundreds of dogs. He purchased some of the dogs from the breeder to have them independently examined by a veterinarian. Not only did Woodard's findings result in the puppy mill being shut down, he also linked it to a prominent pet store in Houston.
Currently, there are no laws regulating the commercial breeding industry in Texas. Woodard's story was shown in the state legislature by law makers who want to more closely regulate the industry and, now, a bill is pending.
In 2010, Woodard also filed stories on the effects of the BP oil spill on wildlife in Louisiana and on the deplorable conditions uncovered at an egg factory in Texas, which is one of the largest in the nation.
