To hate vid-clip culture?

[WelshMaenad]

This afternoon I was at a country park with DH and the kids when a small elderly terrier, being walked by two older gentlemen (dad and son) was attacked by two stray staffs. Myself and another woman got involved to help, the police attended, it was a very stressful and scary situation and I genuinely thought the little dog would be killed (he is ok and having surgery on his wounds).

I found out after the event that at least three people stood by and videoed the incident on their phones. They didn't try to help (one if the staffs had the little fog by the throat and would not release him, we were desperately trying to get him off whilst fending off the other dog) and the dad, who had to be at least 80, was bitten, but they just stood and filmed it and no doubt the clips will end up all over Facebook and YouTube. Apparently even after the staffs had been contained someone was filming me trying to soothe the injured dog and clean the bite wounds. Later, people were filming the police dog handler extracting the dogs from the car we locked them into.

What the actual FUCK is wrong with people? Why would you film this shit like its free drama to enhance your afternoon out!

[Mrsjay]

were they the staffie owners owners or friends maybe a dog fighting site or something, It is horrible though poor little dog,

[WelshMaenad]

Nope, they were all just randomers out for Sunday walks. The police seemed to be sure the dogs were stray.

[Mrsjay]

That is just horrible what are people thinking about,

[SomethingOnce]

YANBU.

That people also do this with accidents involving other people is very worrying. It's as if a lack of empathy is blurring the boundary between reality and entertainment. Or maybe the blurring is creating a lack of empathy...

[Mrsjay]

Or maybe the blurring is creating a lack of empathy...

It seems to be this It is the next step to rubber necking isn't it,

[OddBoots]

I'm torn with this, if they have videoed for 'entertainment' then that is really not on but if they videoed because they were unable to help but thought the footage may help form evidence for the police then I guess they were doing what they thought best.

Today I also saw a picture taken by some teenage lads of a man that had approached them and asked what the police describe as inappropriate questions - it would never have occurred to me to take a picture but because they are part of that culture it was possibly instinctive for them.

[Latara]

I agree re: lack of empathy; it's worrying when filming an incident or accident is a person's first response rather than to try to help those involved.
Even more so when it's several unconnected people who do this.

It would be understandable if a potentially dangerous individual is seen committing a crime & a bystander calls the police, then makes a film or photo to give to police as evidence - that would be useful.

But to stand aside & film as people & animals are being hurt? That is just heartless.

Surely they shouldn't have been filming without yours or the police's permission anyway? (Not that you could stop them unfortunately).

It's very weird but some people seem to live their lives as if every moment has to be photographed or filmed.

WelshMaenad Good for you for getting involved - it was brave & selfless to help out in a dangerous situation. Hope the little dog will be ok & everyone's wounds will heal quickly. :)

[WelshMaenad]

It was a police officer who witnessed the filming and told us to 'expect to end up on YouTube' so not done with the intention of collecting evidence, sadly.

I am really unhappy about the prospect of the incident being caught on film. I feel awful about the force we had to use against the staffy to try to free the little dog, I would never harm an animal in cold blood and the idea that there is video out there of me kicking and shouting at a dog, regardless if the circumstances, is upsetting.