2013 National Press Club Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award Winners
Megan Chuchmach accepting for ABC News Brian Ross Investigative Unit and Michael Berens of the Seattle Times.
Print/Online:
Winner
“Glamour Beasts: The Dark Side of Elephant Captivity” - Michael J. Berens, The Seattle Times
In a two-part special report, Michael Berens delivered a heartbreaking account of the zoo industry’s attempts to propagate captive elephants, detailing how extreme the measures have been and how tragic the failure. As part of an extensive investigation, Berens tracked down the 390 elephant fatalities at accredited U.S. zoos in the last half century and uncovered some astonishing data: the infant-mortality rate for elephants in zoos is nearly triple that for elephants in the wild; most elephants died from conditions traceable to captivity and at least half died by age 23, far shy of the expected life span of 50 to 60 years.
With thorough research that included examining medical-history charts, stud books dating from the late 1800s, clinical-pathology records and daily zookeeper logs, Berens was able offer compelling evidence that refutes the zoo industry’s claim that elephants in America’s zoos are “thriving.”
Berens also reported on the history of Chai, a female elephant at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. She was taken from her mother at age one, before she was weaned; subjected to 112 failed artificial-insemination attempts - a stunning number that the zoo admitted to only after being confronted with its own records; transferred for mating to another zoo, where she was rejected by the herd, chained by zookeepers and struck with a bullhook. She was then returned to Seattle pregnant, only to lose her calf to a disease that Berens reported was predictable.
The series received praise from readers and sparked a petition calling for an investigation of the elephants at the Seattle zoo, which prompted the Seattle City Council to call for a task force to review elephant care at the zoo and explore whether its elephants should be moved to a sanctuary.
A Seattle Times story about the series and the award can be seen here.
Winner
“Glamour Beasts: The Dark Side of Elephant Captivity” - Michael J. Berens, The Seattle Times
In a two-part special report, Michael Berens delivered a heartbreaking account of the zoo industry’s attempts to propagate captive elephants, detailing how extreme the measures have been and how tragic the failure. As part of an extensive investigation, Berens tracked down the 390 elephant fatalities at accredited U.S. zoos in the last half century and uncovered some astonishing data: the infant-mortality rate for elephants in zoos is nearly triple that for elephants in the wild; most elephants died from conditions traceable to captivity and at least half died by age 23, far shy of the expected life span of 50 to 60 years.
With thorough research that included examining medical-history charts, stud books dating from the late 1800s, clinical-pathology records and daily zookeeper logs, Berens was able offer compelling evidence that refutes the zoo industry’s claim that elephants in America’s zoos are “thriving.”
Berens also reported on the history of Chai, a female elephant at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. She was taken from her mother at age one, before she was weaned; subjected to 112 failed artificial-insemination attempts - a stunning number that the zoo admitted to only after being confronted with its own records; transferred for mating to another zoo, where she was rejected by the herd, chained by zookeepers and struck with a bullhook. She was then returned to Seattle pregnant, only to lose her calf to a disease that Berens reported was predictable.
The series received praise from readers and sparked a petition calling for an investigation of the elephants at the Seattle zoo, which prompted the Seattle City Council to call for a task force to review elephant care at the zoo and explore whether its elephants should be moved to a sanctuary.
A Seattle Times story about the series and the award can be seen here.
Honorable Mention
“Sheltered from Harm?: A Special Report on ‘No-Kill’ Shelters ” - Lee Bowman, Scripps-Howard News Service
In a special report on “no-kill” animal shelters, reporter Lee Bowman found that, although the movement is growing, it still has a long way to go, with animals in shelters only having a 50-50 chance of getting out alive. With more than four million dogs and cats put down in shelters every year in the United States, it is a continuing problem. The “no-kill” idea is to euthanize only those animals too ill, too injured or too vicious to put up for adoption. It’s an ambitious goal that has seen some positive results, mostly in affluent communities, through aggressive spay, neuter and adoption outreach programs.
Bowman found that one large hurdle is finding enough volunteers willing to transport animals on what some call the “modern Underground Railroad” to new homes in other parts of the country. Despite the daunting challenges, Bowman found many good people willing to do what it takes to help deserving animals find good homes. In a country that is notoriously pet-loving, Bowman’s report serves to underscore our moral responsibility to ensure that our loyal companions are not just thrown away.
“Sheltered from Harm?: A Special Report on ‘No-Kill’ Shelters ” - Lee Bowman, Scripps-Howard News Service
In a special report on “no-kill” animal shelters, reporter Lee Bowman found that, although the movement is growing, it still has a long way to go, with animals in shelters only having a 50-50 chance of getting out alive. With more than four million dogs and cats put down in shelters every year in the United States, it is a continuing problem. The “no-kill” idea is to euthanize only those animals too ill, too injured or too vicious to put up for adoption. It’s an ambitious goal that has seen some positive results, mostly in affluent communities, through aggressive spay, neuter and adoption outreach programs.
Bowman found that one large hurdle is finding enough volunteers willing to transport animals on what some call the “modern Underground Railroad” to new homes in other parts of the country. Despite the daunting challenges, Bowman found many good people willing to do what it takes to help deserving animals find good homes. In a country that is notoriously pet-loving, Bowman’s report serves to underscore our moral responsibility to ensure that our loyal companions are not just thrown away.
Broadcast:
Winner
“The Ugly Truth Behind High-Stepping Horses” - ABC News Brian Ross investigative unit. Correspondent Brian Ross and producer Megan Chuchmach.
In a far reaching investigation that spurred industry-wide change and calls for Congressional oversight, the ABC News investigative team exposed the ugly truth behind famed Tennessee Walking Horses: large numbers have been tortured and beaten in order to make them produce the high-stepping gait that wins championships and significant cash prizes for their owners.
On the date of the broadcast, and after being notified by ABC News of the abuses, longtime commercial sponsor, Pepsi Co, revoked its sponsorship of the annual Tennessee Walking Horse championship and, shortly after, two leading veterinary groups joined forces to push Congress for better protection of the horses, including a ban on chains and caustic chemicals on the horses’ ankles.
Under increased pressure and scrutiny, organizers of the Tennessee Walking Horse competition agreed to test each horse for chemicals and numbing agents, took x-rays and conducted other tests to check for signs of what is called “soring.” Brian Ross was the first to confront influential industry leader Jackie McConnell, who had been captured on video beating and abusing horses. He pleaded guilty to violating the Horse Protection Act. The ABC investigative team continued its reporting, writing numerous follow up stories and tracking change as it is implemented.
Winner
“The Ugly Truth Behind High-Stepping Horses” - ABC News Brian Ross investigative unit. Correspondent Brian Ross and producer Megan Chuchmach.
In a far reaching investigation that spurred industry-wide change and calls for Congressional oversight, the ABC News investigative team exposed the ugly truth behind famed Tennessee Walking Horses: large numbers have been tortured and beaten in order to make them produce the high-stepping gait that wins championships and significant cash prizes for their owners.
On the date of the broadcast, and after being notified by ABC News of the abuses, longtime commercial sponsor, Pepsi Co, revoked its sponsorship of the annual Tennessee Walking Horse championship and, shortly after, two leading veterinary groups joined forces to push Congress for better protection of the horses, including a ban on chains and caustic chemicals on the horses’ ankles.
Under increased pressure and scrutiny, organizers of the Tennessee Walking Horse competition agreed to test each horse for chemicals and numbing agents, took x-rays and conducted other tests to check for signs of what is called “soring.” Brian Ross was the first to confront influential industry leader Jackie McConnell, who had been captured on video beating and abusing horses. He pleaded guilty to violating the Horse Protection Act. The ABC investigative team continued its reporting, writing numerous follow up stories and tracking change as it is implemented.
Honorable Mention
“Trapped”- KTNV TV, Las Vegas, Nevada, Darcy Spears, Oscar Palomo, Spencer Lubitz, Marco Villareal
When the KTNV investigative team examined the practice of animal trapping in Nevada they found instances of animals caught in traps that were left to die of starvation, dehydration and exposure. The coverage began with reports about a video showing a local wildlife commissioner baiting his hunting dog with a bobcat whose leg was caught in a trap.
KTNV reporters staked-out the official and obtained an interview. They also talked to county commissioners and showed them the footage. The coverage led to the resignation of the wildlife official and an examination of the makeup of wildlife advisory boards.
When KTNV filmed in the desert they discovered instances of illegal trapping and alerted local law enforcement. Their stories exposed loopholes in current law and examined how those who regulate the industry are often the same people who directly profit from trapping. The reports sparked debate on the issue and led to calls for stronger laws to better protect the animals whose fur determines their fate.
2012 Winners
“Trapped”- KTNV TV, Las Vegas, Nevada, Darcy Spears, Oscar Palomo, Spencer Lubitz, Marco Villareal
When the KTNV investigative team examined the practice of animal trapping in Nevada they found instances of animals caught in traps that were left to die of starvation, dehydration and exposure. The coverage began with reports about a video showing a local wildlife commissioner baiting his hunting dog with a bobcat whose leg was caught in a trap.
KTNV reporters staked-out the official and obtained an interview. They also talked to county commissioners and showed them the footage. The coverage led to the resignation of the wildlife official and an examination of the makeup of wildlife advisory boards.
When KTNV filmed in the desert they discovered instances of illegal trapping and alerted local law enforcement. Their stories exposed loopholes in current law and examined how those who regulate the industry are often the same people who directly profit from trapping. The reports sparked debate on the issue and led to calls for stronger laws to better protect the animals whose fur determines their fate.
2012 Winners
