Donkey Basketball: The Real Truth

A school local to us is hosting a donkey basketball event, and it's incredibly disheartening to know these are still a thing. ​Donkey basketball events, often done in support of a fundraiser, involve participants riding donkeys in a game of basketball. While they may appear entertaining, these events raise significant ethical and safety concerns for both the donkeys and the people, and these events should not be supported. There are better, more humane ways to raise funds for a cause!

Animal Welfare Concerns

Donkeys are gentle and intelligent animals that experience pain and fear just like any other sentient beings. During these events, they are frequently subjected to mistreatment by untrained participants who may kick, shove, or shout at them to force compliance. The chaotic environment - characterized by loud noises, bright lights, and boisterous crowds -can be extremely stressful and frightening for these animals. The ASPCA opposes such acts, stating that they are frightening and stressful to the animals involved. ​

Moreover, donkeys have physical limitations regarding the weight they can safely carry. An average-sized donkey, weighing about 350 pounds, should not bear more than 105 pounds. However, many participants in donkey basketball games exceed this limit, potentially causing the animals significant discomfort and injury. 

Safety Risks to Participants

The unpredictable behavior of stressed and frightened donkeys poses risks not only to the animals but also to the riders and spectators. There have been instances where participants have fallen off or been kicked by donkeys, resulting in injuries such as broken bones and concussions. For example, a participant in a Waterloo, Illinois, donkey basketball game was awarded over $110,000 for injuries sustained during the event. 

Legal and Liability Issues

Beyond ethical and safety concerns, donkey basketball events can lead to legal complications. In Florida, a fifth-grade teacher sued the owner of a donkey basketball company and the Diocese of St. Petersburg after being thrown off a donkey during a fundraiser, claiming injury.  Such incidents highlight the potential liability issues organizations may face when hosting these events.​

Educational Implications

Hosting events that involve the mistreatment of animals sends a troubling message to students and the community. It normalizes the exploitation of animals for entertainment and undermines the values of compassion and respect. Schools should aim to foster empathy and kindness, not desensitize students to the suffering of other living beings.​

Positive Changes and Alternatives

Recognizing these concerns, several schools and communities have chosen to cancel planned donkey basketball games. For instance, Delaware Academy High School in New York and Lewisville High School in South Carolina canceled their events after being informed about the inherent cruelty and potential liabilities.  Similarly, the Merced Union High School District in California ended its donkey basketball tradition, opting for more humane fundraising alternatives.

There are numerous creative and ethical fundraising options available that do not involve animal exploitation. Schools can organize events such as dodgeball tournaments, fun runs, bake sales, or talent shows to engage the community and raise funds without compromising ethical standards.​

Conclusion

Donkey basketball events are an outdated and inhumane form of entertainment that compromise animal welfare, participant safety, and ethical education. It's imperative for schools and organizations to reevaluate the impact of these events and pursue alternative fundraising methods that uphold the values of compassion and respect for all living beings.​