The school located about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, held a similar donkey basketball fundraiser last year that attracted 1,000 people -- or one-fourth of St. Clair.
The game essentially requires people to play a game of basketball while riding donkeys.
According to PETA, though, it's all fun and games until a donkey gets hurt:
The donkeys used in these rough and abusive "games" are often denied proper exercise as they travel for months at a time in cramped, poorly ventilated enclosures. They regularly go without food and water before games in an effort to prevent unsightly "accidents." PETA receives many complaints about donkey basketball events, but it is up to administrators to do the right thing, as these animals are afforded no protection under the Animal Welfare Act.Yesterday, the superintendent for St. Clair R-XIII School District told KSDK that he has no plans to cancel next week's event.
"In our opinion it was not cruel and inhumane," said Superintendent Michael Murphy in reference to last year's event.
For more on donkey basketball we now turn to The Onion:
2-Year-Old Donkey Called Up To Pro Donkey Basketball League