Donkey sports have drawn criticism from animal-rights groups and even indignant denunciations from the British tabloids.
Donkeys, the critics say, are hauled long distances and forced into noisy, stressful situations. But on Whidbey Island, where a game of donkey baseball is planned June 20, organizers and promoters say the donkeys aren’t harmed and the events raise money for local charities. Seattle Times staff reporter Bruce Wick, a former farrier who’s run Donkey Sports near Wenatchee for almost 30 years, said his donkeys have never been hurt or injured during either donkey baseball or basketball. The South Whidbey Island Fraternal Order of Eagles seems an unlikely place for an international controversy. The 350-member social club features seasonal celebrations including a Valentine’s Day dance and white elephant Christmas gift exchange. Prime Rib Night and Karaoke Fridays draw lively crowds, though with an average age of 65, members say the place is pretty dead after 10 p.m. But a fundraising event planned for June 20 — a game of baseball played riding on donkeys — has raised the ire of local animal lovers, as well as protests from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which earlier this month asked that the game be canceled.
Club members and organizers of donkey sports say the animals are well treated and the games raise thousands of dollars for charities. Last year’s Whidbey Island game brought in $3,500 for local causes including senior Meals on Wheels and an early learning program.