What can the Layton dog bite teach us about free speech?

Mar 28, 2019, 4:40 PM | Updated: 4:41 pm

Layton Dogs Polar and Bear...

Polar and Bear, the dogs that allegedly tore off and ate Austin Brown's hand. Animal Care and Control have said "we had evidence that could have led to both dogs being a part" of the attack. (Photo: Nikki Preece / GoFundMe)

(Photo: Nikki Preece / GoFundMe)

“You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

As a radio host, I expect — and recieve — hateful messages every day with people sending in their opinions to the show. We have free speech rights, but with free speech comes the possibility of offense. When should free speech allow people who disagree to post hateful messages to others? It shouldn’t.

The mother of the 4-year-old Utah boy who lost his hand in a vicious dog bite has posted on Facebook after Davis County Animal Care and Control say the dogs will likely move to another organization.

She mentions their family has received threats and also support during this time.

This family is going through a tragic time. The only messages they should be getting are those of love, support and “how can I help you?” Not threats.

In a world where we value free speech, we need to talk about the right way to disagree.

How do you handle disagreements? What do you do to ensure respect is prioritized?

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Sponsored Articles

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this spo...

Bear Lake

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.

How Harper Clinic's IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah....

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

As demand for mental health care continues to rise across Utah County, Orem's Harper Clinic says it is trying to close the gap with a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, manag...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic's TMS Therapy can help.

mental health...

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

...

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

What can the Layton dog bite teach us about free speech?