Georgia Police Shoot Pet Donkey Heehaw Dead After Braying Animal Allegedly Made Officers Feel 'In Danger'

A Georgia police officer fatally shot a one-year-old pet donkey named HeeHaw during a late-night search for a missing child, after the animal allegedly ran towards officers while braying, which made officers allegedly feel 'in danger', HeeHaw's owner claimed in the post.

The shooting took place on Sunday, 30 August, at Elsberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart, Polk County. The incident has prompted an investigation and widespread reaction after HeeHaw's owner, Hannah Israel, claimed officers entered the pasture without notifying the family or obtaining permission.

Police Search Ends With a Dead Donkey

Cedartown Police Department officers were assisting the Polk County Police Department in a search for a missing 12-year-old girl when HeeHaw was shot. The child was later found safe at a church near the pasture, according to police.

Israel said officers claimed that the donkey ran towards them while braying and that they believed they were in danger. She also alleged that an officer attempted to use a Taser on HeeHaw before the animal was shot.

Authorities have not independently confirmed the alleged Taser use or released a detailed account of the incident.

Israel said HeeHaw was bottle-fed, raised inside the family home and appeared at petting zoos. She described him as friendly and accustomed to people.

According to a post from Elsberry Riding and Farm, officers entered the pasture at about 12:45 a.m. while searching for the missing child without the owner's permission. She referred to them as 'trespassing cops' on her GoFundMe page.

In a Facebook post shared by the farm, Israel wrote: 'HeeHaw was raised in the house and did petting zoos he never knew a stranger.'

She claimed the donkey was killed 'for doing what donkeys do' and added: 'There is no way this is legal! I will be taking legal action.'

Officer Placed on Administrative Leave

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome confirmed that the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave while the circumstances are investigated. The officer has not been publicly identified.

Newsome said he had requested an investigation by the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division. He also said he was 'heartbroken' over HeeHaw's death.

The incident involved personnel from the Cedartown Police Department and the Polk County Police Department, which were assisting with the search for the missing child. However, the Polk County Sheriff's Office clarified that its deputies were not involved in the shooting.

'We extend our sincere condolences to the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. 'We understand the concern and sadness surrounding what occurred.'

The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what happened when officers encountered HeeHaw and why the animal was considered an immediate threat, remain under investigation.

Owner Seeks Legal Action

Israel has said she plans to pursue legal action over HeeHaw's death and launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover legal fees.

The fundraiser initially sought $30,000 (£22,150) but had raised more than $113,000 (£83,450) by the time of publication, reflecting the growing attention surrounding the case.

Israel described HeeHaw as 'my son' and said the family was heartbroken by his death.