Donkey basketball fundraiser draws opposition

FERNDALE, Wash. – Whatcom County animal advocates are trying to stop a Ferndale High School fundraiser in which people play basketball while riding donkeys.

The Bellingham Herald reported that the Whatcom Humane Society has called for the Ferndale FFA club to cancel its event Saturday, saying it’s cruel to play donkey basketball.

The humane society expressed concern about the donkeys being pushed, pulled, kicked or punched by riders.

Donkey Sports Inc. owner Bruce Wick, who provides the donkeys for the annual event, says no other humane societies have shown up when his donkeys play basketball elsewhere. He says the donkeys are well trained and riders aren’t allowed to pull or jerk them. He said donkey basketball is just people riding donkeys.

District Superintendent Linda Quinn says it is too late to cancel the event.