EDGAR, WI (WTAQ) – Two months ago, a middle school in Washington State canceled a donkey basketball game amid concerns about cruelty to the animals involved.
Monday night in central Wisconsin, a similar game went on — despite a petition from an animal rights group which said it filed a cease and desist request. Edgar school officials said they never got that request — and about 1,000 people filled the high school gym for the event.
Donkey basketball has been a favorite school fundraiser for decades. C.J. Cordell of Dairyland Donkey Ball of Chippewa Falls said it gives folks a chance to laugh with people they know, as they struggle to stay with their animals as they make baskets.
Jessica Kilty of Wausau, who owns two miniature donkeys, tells WAOW-TV in Wausau she started the petition with the Global Conservation Group. She said the donkeys react to “fear” when big crowds laugh.
Dairyland Donkey Ball said the animals can carry riders for up to 50 percent of the animals’ weight, while animal rights supporters say it’s more like only 20 percent.
Cordell said the donkeys are never mistreated.
Organizers said the Edgar and Marathon FFA’s donated around $2,500 in proceeds to their communities’ fire departments.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
