On Monday a photograph of a dead dolphin – then believed to be a whale – was circulating the realms of Facebook with the assertion it had been shot.

“Blow up the picture to see the bleeding bullet hole. Shame!” the contributor said.

It is easy to see how one could mistake the bleeding, perfectly rounded hole as a bullet wound – particularly for anyone who grew up inland and who is somewhat ignorant of the dangers that lurk in the depths of the sea.

The photo had already caused an outcry and so, given it was a local issue of interest, the photo was posted on the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner Facebook page.

It bore the caption, “It appears the whale/dolphin found on Maloneys Beach at the weekend was shot. Blow up this photo to see what looks like a bleeding bullet hole. Do you know more?”

The post did not state the mammal was shot. It was not a “story” crafted by a journalist. It was a post designed to engage the community and seek more information.

Our journalist had already contacted National Parks to find out more and was waiting for a response and the full story was posted by 4pm. In the meantime, Facebookers took to the post. Some were in shock of the possible cruelty – others were angry – at us.

“Great reporting,” one woman wrote.

“Maybe get some facts before you create unnecessary and incorrect statements.”

From another: “More neglectful reporting by the bay post (sic). No facts, just a photo and a headline in the hope of selling papers.”

As I have said before, I welcome criticism - it is a good way to know where you need to improve.

Such is the difficulty faced with increased pressure to report online. Readers want answers now,  answers that took – in this case – hours.

Should we have posted the photo? Absolutely. It was already circulating Facebook and if it had been shot it was in the public’s interest.

Could the caption have been worded better? Probably.

Did we deserve to be labelled the “lowest of the low”? You be the judge.