http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=12149273
School Kicks Cruel Donkey Basketball Game to the Curb
Thanks to those who contacted high school and Society of St. Vincent de Paul

After receiving a deluge of phone calls, faxes, and emails from members of IDA and Southeast Michigan Animal Rights Team (SMART), Lumen Christi High School and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul decided to cancel a donkey basketball fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, November 4th. IDA commends the school and the society for responding appropriate to the public's concerns about animal cruelty and the safety of both animals and players.

Donkeys used in basketball games are shipped around the country in cramped conditions and are forced into as many as 300 games each year. In what is more of a free-for-all than a sporting event, students who have no experience with donkeys ride, drag, and jerk the animals around a basketball court. Because students are often more interested in showing off to their classmates than ensuring the animals' welfare, they yank their tails and ears, yell at them, and hit and kick the helpless donkeys in order to make them move.

IDA and SMART are now urging the Lumen Christi school board to create a policy banning the use of animals in fundraisers as many cities, counties, and school districts across the country have done.

"Donkey basketball sends children the wrong message," says Elliot M. Katz, DVM, IDA President. "These events only teach children that the abuse and humiliation of animals is funny. Nowadays, kids need a clear and consistent message from adults that it is immoral to physically abuse others, animal or human. We applaud the committed leaders who responded to our call for concern about the humane treatment of animals."

If you learn about a donkey basketball fundraiser taking place in your area, contact IDA for help getting it canceled.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA's efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 - P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388