U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

Letter to the editor

By Drew Winter

Dear editor,

I was disappointed to see the newspaper's apathy toward cruelty to animals ("Confessions of Donkey Basketball," June 2). This ridiculous "game" has no place in a civilized society. Donkeys used as entertainment are often dragged, beaten and screamed at by untrained participants who do not know how to handle animals properly. In order to avoid "accidents" on the court, owners deprive the donkeys of food and water for hours before a game. But because donkeys are not protected by the Federal Animal Welfare Act, abusers can rely on the ignorance of their schools in order to stay in business. These abhorrent games send the message to kids that it's OK to abuse those who are weaker than they are and that abusing animals for entertainment is acceptable. For this reason, schools across the country have stopped hosting donkey basketball games. The U.S. National Parent-Teacher Association Congress states, "Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind, and considerate in their relations to each other." Don't be an ass: Boycott donkey basketball.

Sincerely,
Drew Winter
College Campaigns Assistant

Originally Published: June 23, 2010

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