"Battle royal over title for dog"

Well, what's a Fiesta season without a little controversy? This year, it's about a regal barker and an ugly king and which one has the right to the title.

Rey Feo Scholarship, Inc. last week sent a cease and desist letter to the Humane Society of San Antonio, commanding it immediately stop its impending coronation and parading of El Rey Fido in Fiesta 2010, according to both organizations.

Citing a federally trademarked name, the group is seeking to dethrone the royal pooch.

“They just felt that people would not understand and get El Rey Feo and El Rey Fido confused,” said Cathy McCoy, spokeswoman for the Humane Society, sounding somewhat confused herself about the committee’s concern.

Tom Sandoval, president of the Rey Feo Scholarship Committee, a group run by LULAC Council No. 2, said its board of directors just is trying to protect its trademark.

The scholarship committee registered “Rey Feo,” or “ugly king,” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2005.

“I’m a dog lover, always have been,” Sandoval said. “Our problem is we’ve asked them to consider using the word King Fido. We thought that would be right. They could have a King Fido and a Queen Fido.”

(from the Express-News)

Can't we all just get along? At least for Fiesta? Really, folks, this is supposed to be a time of fun and celebration, not bickering. And does anybody really think Rey Fido -- a crowned mutt -- will possibly be mistaken for a man wearing a sash and medals?

Is all this really worth a bullying letter? LULAC, I'm looking at you!




Express-News file photo. Original caption: "In 2006, El Rey Feo Ronnie Gabriel crowned that year's Rey Fido."