Help Us End Donkey Basketball

As the public has become more aware of the cruelty of this “sport,” it is our hope that Donkey Basketball is becoming a thing of the past and that people are finding other, less cruel ways to raise funds for their schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, Donkey Basketball has not been fully stamped out of existence and for this reason, we want to provide the information needed to shut down these events if you see it in your community.

Why is it inhumane?

In a game of Donkey Basketball, the donkeys are the unwilling “basketball players.” They are yanked, chased, whipped, dragged and yelled at by their human “teammates.” In their fear and confusion, the donkeys may buck off players, plant their hooves and refuse to move, or try their best to escape. Typically, the people are far too heavy to be riding the donkeys and can cause injury due to the disproportionate weight ratio.  Running on the court is also not good for the donkeys’ hooves or skeletal structure. The environment is noisy and hectic; donkeys are usually very afraid but have no escape.  Unfortunately, instead of showing compassion for the frightened animals, often the crowd and human players think that the donkeys’ fearful behavior is funny and entertaining. The laughter only increases the noise and chaos.

To add to the donkeys’ trauma, Pasado’s Safe Haven has received numerous reports that the donkeys used for this cruel sport are kept from food and water for 24 hours before a game in an effort to assure they don’t urinate or defecate on the court.

If you know of a Donkey Basketball game in your community, please follow the suggested guidelines below.

1. Find out when and where the game is.
2. Find out who the fundraiser is being held for – i.e.: who is the financial beneficiary.
3. Find out who organized the game.
4. Find out what donkey company is being used.
5. Contact the organization who the fundraiser is for (school, church, etc.). Ask if they know that the event is being held for their benefit. Kindly educate them to what this event involves and explain why this event is inhumane (see below).  Ask if the organization that is scheduled to benefit from the event would be willing to stop the event due to the inhumane nature of it. Explain to the organization how the donkey company works and how much of the actual profit will be going to the donkey company vs. how much is raised for the benefit.  For example, if it is Donkey Sports, Inc. – 60% of the profits up to $1,000 raised goes to the company. Holding a different fundraiser can make significantly more money and without any animals being abused. If the event is being held at a school, explain how this inhumane practice is teaching children that it is okay to bully and abuse an innocent, silenced individual.
6. Look for other avenues to raise money as an alternative.  We have found that many people will donate directly to the cause at hand if indeed it does not involve the donkey basketball game.
   • Contact the venue who is holding the event.  Educate them to the inhumane activity that they are hosting.  If it is a school holding the event, contact the Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal and/or School Board.
7. Within the community in which the event is happening, you can contact the Mayor and the city council. Always be polite and respectful. Assume that they know nothing about this event. Explain your concern and why this activity is something the mayor and city would not want to be supporting.
8. Educate the community about the event. You can start a Facebook page and use it to educate people about the games, allowing people to get involved and work together.
9. Start a letter writing campaign. After you educate the public about the event, ask them to send a respectful letter or email to the officials both holding the event and the venue where it will be held.
10. If the officials that you contact are not willing to hear you or stop the event, you can contact your local media outlets – both TV and newspaper. Let them know of all you have done and offered. Explain to them the message these games send to the public.

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of the donkeys!