By MELISSA SANTOS, Tacoma News Tribune

Washington's mute swans have finally found someone to speak for them, and, after two years without a mate, a lonely swan may finally have company.

State Rep. Larry Seaquist and state Sen. Derek Kilmer, both Democrats from Gig Harbor, Wash. are looking to ease restrictions on trafficking the birds so that a Gig Harbor homeowners association can obtain a second swan for a private lake.

Shooting hoops from the back of a donkey is one way to raise money for a good cause. And few would argue that awarding teachers $300 grants for classroom projects or after-school activities is not a good cause. But animal-rights activists say Donkey Basketball is also a way to hurt the animals and possibly their riders.