Donkey Roping – Excerpt of Meredith’s Letter

Donkey roping – a barbaric use of donkeys for practicing roping skills – has been reported in many states and detailed in an article about a roping event in Mineral Wells, Texas in 2009.  Meredith sent this response to the editor of the newspaper.

I have been promoting and training mules and donkeys for more than 36 years, and I can tell you without reservation that this IS animal abuse. These donkeys you are using for your sport in this capacity will be ruined for any normal recreational purpose in the future by anyone else and will result in their demise. I opted publicly on the side of using the donkey to train for roping when there were complaints lodged against the TV show on RFD-TV because I noted the donkey was only used to train a beginner and was not actually roped. The loop was thrown under his back legs and the they allowed the donkey to walk through it, but the beginner could see it would have been a catch. Actual roping of donkeys is appalling and abusive, especially in an event of this magnitude! There are precautions taken when roping cattle that make it more humane (such as horn wraps), but there is no way to protect the donkeys, who should NOT even be involved in this sport because of their inherent nature to be loving and affectionate toward humans. Isn’t it clear to you from their behavior? It is clear to me that you are lacking good judgment, and I will do everything in my power to see that those who continue to abuse donkeys in this way are prosecuted for animal abuse to the fullest extent of the law!

If you hear of donkey roping activities in your area, let us know and let’s stop this abusive practice NOW.