MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas State athletic department issued an open letter to fans this week after an animal rights group objected to mistreatment of chickens at a basketball game.
For years, Kansas State students have has smuggled live chickens into games against Kansas, then thrown them onto the court and behind the opposing bench before tip-off. The students intend for the chickens to mock their rival's Jayhawk mascot.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals responded to the latest incident during a game Feb. 19 by sending a letter to university president Jon Wefald, claiming at least three chickens were thrown on the court during player introductions.
The letter described chickens as "
very intelligent and inquisitive animals" that appeared to have been subjected to "deafening noise, bright lights, terror, abusive handling and likely death for the sake of amusement."
Kansas State University has said it would not comment on the complaint, but the athletic department issued a statement Tuesday saying it considers live, non-service animals "contraband." Any fans caught with animals or caught throwing any object onto a playing surface will be ejected from the game and could face prosecution.
"These actions severely tarnish the image of our University, its athletics teams and the majority of our outstanding fans and supporters and while viewed by many as harmless pranks, these acts are likely illegal," the letter said.
The act hasn't done much to will the Wildcats to victory. The Jayhawks beat Kansas State 71-62, running their overall winning streak in Manhattan to 24 games.
