DONKEY WHAT?!?!

 It's so hard to believe I am actually about to write a nonfiction blog about something as ridiculous called "donkey basketball." During these abusive games, which often school hold as fundraisers, donkeys are kicked, punched, dragged, and punched by participants who have no donkey handling experience at all whatsoever. Donkeys like may other animals are not protected by the federal Animal Welfare Act, and humane agencies often do not get involved in cruelty cases involving the animals because of the lack of knowledge and experience.
 These fundraisers send the message to kids that it's acceptable to abuse and humiliate those that are weaker than us. They are taught the dangerous lesson that cruelty is OK. Expert Stephen R. Kellert and Alan R. Felthous concluded in the links between cruelty to animals and human abuse is that "The evolution of a more gentle and benign relationship in human society might be enhanced by our promotion of a more positive and nurturing ethic between children and animals." Schools from coast to coast have stopped hosting these fundraisers thank goodness because that want to help nurture kind kids, not bullies which is such a big problem as well. "Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind, and considerate in their [interactions] with each other." - The U.S. National Parent-Teacher Association Congress.
 Not only can this be detrimental to children, but let's not forget about adults too! Like many animals, donkeys who are mistreated or forced into loud, confusing environments can become frightened and may lash out to protect themselves. A participant in Waterloo, Illinois, donkey basketball games was awarded more than $110,000 for injuries that he sustained in a games, and in another game, a Wisconsin state senator fell of a donkey and broke her leg. In February 2006, a fifth-grade teacher in Florida sued a Diocese of St. Peterbburg and the owner of the Dixie Donkey Ball company claiming that she had suffered injuries after being thrown off a donkey at a fundraiser.
 There are so many wonderful fundraising opportunities that do not include animal abuse, including rubber-duck derby races and dodge ball. In Grants Pass, Oregon, three Rotary Clubs grossed $133,000 in rubber-duck derby races. If God forbid you head of this heinous crime going on, please politely raise your voice to stop this absurdity, or let me know! I'll do something about it.