Donkey Basketball

Donkey Basketball cruel, say animal-rights activists
MELISSA SANTOS; melissa.santos@thenewstribune.com
Published: November 21st, 2008 12:05 AM

Shooting hoops from the back of a donkey is one way to raise money for a good cause. And few would argue that awarding teachers $300 grants for classroom projects or after-school activities is not a good cause.

But animal-rights activists say Donkey Basketball is also a way to hurt the animals and possibly their riders.

Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals want to stop a Donkey Basketball Tournament scheduled Saturday at Graham-Kapowsin High School. They say it will subject the animals to pain and confusion. Read More

One of the most frustrating things in trying to tell the story of agriculture can be when the public wants to believe PETA rather than the owners of the donkeys who have been doing this for nearly 30 years without incident. It goes to show that institutional knowledge and common sense can take a back seat to sensationalism and emotional, feel good arguments and that needs to stop.