A police officer in Cedartown, Georgia, has been placed on administrative leave after shooting and killing a family's pet donkey named HeeHaw during an early-morning search for a missing person on the family's property. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday at Elsberry farm in Rockmart, according to the donkey's owner, Hannah Israel.
Israel stated that officers were on her pasture without notification or permission when they encountered the small male donkey. HeeHaw, who was bottle-raised and had participated in petting zoos, reportedly emerged braying at the presence of strangers. The officer involved, who has not been identified, claimed he felt under threat and shot the donkey after attempting to tase him.
Officer Placed on Leave, Investigation Underway
Jamie Newsome, the Cedartown police department chief, confirmed to local media that an officer had been placed on leave and that an inquiry was underway. The Polk County Sheriff's Office, which was not involved in the incident, said that law enforcement personnel from the separate police departments of Polk County and Cedartown were on the scene. The sheriff's office released a statement expressing condolences: "We extend our sincere condolences to the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. We understand the concern and sadness surrounding what occurred."
Coosa Valley News reported that Newsome said members of his department's command staff had opened an investigation into the shooting. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation progresses. As of Monday, no official statement had been issued by the city or the Cedartown police department, prompting a growing social media backlash over the lack of communication.
Owner's Account and Legal Action Fundraiser
In a Facebook post, Israel described the incident, saying, "They claimed he ran up to them braying and they thought they were in danger and shot and killed him after trying to taze him." She added, "HeeHaw was raised in the house and did petting zoos [and] never knew a stranger. And was shot and killed in his own pasture for doing what donkeys do. Alerting to a stranger. There is no way this is legal. We are heartbroken. He was my son."
Israel has launched an online fundraising appeal to support legal action over HeeHaw's killing. The campaign quickly surpassed $35,000 in donations. She maintained that HeeHaw was killed in his own pasture by "trespassing" cops.
Lack of Official Response and Community Reaction
The Polk County police department, Cedartown's municipal government, and its police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The only official statement as of Monday came from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which clarified that its officers were not involved but acknowledged the incident.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the officer's identity has not been released. The community's reaction has been one of shock and sadness, with many calling for transparency and accountability. The incident has raised questions about police procedures during searches and the use of force against animals.
