A police officer in Georgia has been placed on administrative leave after fatally shooting a baby donkey named HeeHaw at an animal sanctuary. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the officer, who has not been identified, entered the Elsberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart, Polk County, without the owner's permission.
The animal sanctuary shared the incident on Facebook, stating that at approximately 12:45 a.m., officers entered their pasture searching for a missing person. According to the sanctuary's post, the officer claimed the donkey approached them while braying and was perceived as a threat, leading to the animal being tasered and then shot.
Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome confirmed to the Daily Mail that his department's officers, along with others, were searching for a 12-year-old child in the vicinity. The search reportedly led them through the animal sanctuary's property. Newsome stated that the missing child was located about an hour after the donkey was shot.
Chief Newsome expressed that he was "heartbroken" by the incident. He added that the Cedartown Police Department has voluntarily turned the investigation over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division, and declined to provide further details.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office, which was not directly involved in the shooting, extended its condolences. The identity of the officer who fired the shot has not been released, nor have specific details regarding why the donkey was perceived as a threat.
The City of Cedartown acknowledged the incident but stated it would not release additional information due to the ongoing investigation. HeeHaw's owner, Hannah Israel, has established a GoFundMe page to cover legal fees. The fundraiser described HeeHaw as a "loved member of our family" who participated in petting zoos and brought joy to many people.
