Dear      : I am writing to request that the "Donkey Ball" game, scheduled at [name of host] on [date] be canceled immediately. According to literature published by the HSUS, "Donkeys used for this purpose may be subjected to a variety of abuses. During the heat of competition, inexperienced riders often mishandle donkeys, pushing, pulling, kicking and punching 'uncooperative' animals. Donkeys have been accidentally injured by misthrown balls or by falls on slippery surfaces. Unfortunately the public is not aware of the many problems that occur behind the scenes. Provided by outside companies, donkeys are often shipped nationwide, spending their lives in cramped trailers. Food and water are frequently withheld from the animals during transit or provided at irregular intervals to prevent 'accidents' from occurring in public places. Stress from frequent travel can weaken the animals' immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to a common and sometimes fatal disease known as 'shipping fever pneumonia.'...Both players and spectators may be kicked by frightened animals. Individuals involved in this activity have cracked their ribs, broken legs, arms and wrists; and sustained concussions and other injuries that have required hospitalization...." Schools should not be setting the negative example to students that animal exploitation is something which is socially acceptable. It is shocking that your school is encouraging and allowing this flagrant exhibition of organized animal abuse to take place at all. Surely your educational institution can find better and more effective ways to raise money than by having adults and students jumping on and off the backs of these poor animals. Documentation from past "events" of this type showed students cruelly pulling the donkeys' ears and tails, while kicking them and yelling at them. This is particularly troubling in the wake of tragic violence in the schools. Concerned citizens and parents in Monmouth County, NJ were recently able to successfully convince the Monmouth County Education Association to pass a resolution against "Donkey Ball" primarily for those very reasons. Based on numerous studies, there is now no question that there is a strong connection between violence against animals and violence in humans toward other humans. Please cancel this cruel event and replace it with something to inspire compassion, humanity and good will amongst its students. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, [Name] [Address]