An investigation is underway after a Cedartown police officer shot and killed a baby donkey named HeeHaw early Sunday morning during a search for a missing child in Polk County, Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement division is conducting an independent inquiry into the shooting, according to Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome. The child, who was reported missing on Saturday, was later located safely at a nearby church.
In a video posted to Facebook, Chief Newsome expressed regret over the incident, saying, "During that search, it is with heavy heart that I report a Cedartown police officer shot and killed a donkey that was in its own pasture. I cannot imagine the grief and frustration that the tragic loss of HeeHaw has caused."
Hannah Israel, the donkey's owner, took to social media to allege that officers entered the pasture "without permission or warning." She recounted that the officers claimed the donkey ran toward them braying, and fearing danger, they attempted to tase him before shooting and killing him.
"He was a loved member of our family and did many petting zoos and made many people smile," Israel wrote on a GoFundMe page, where she is also raising funds. She has retained legal counsel to explore her options.
The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Cedartown and Polk County police departments have declined further comment, citing the ongoing probe.
Chief Newsome called for patience and prayers, stating, "I ask everyone to join us in prayer for everyone who has been impacted by this tragic event, but give time for the investigation to be completed."
The incident has drawn attention to police handling of animals during emergency responses, echoing broader concerns about use-of-force policies. Similar cases have prompted calls for better training, as seen in recent missing person alerts and other law enforcement actions.
Israel's account of the shooting has resonated with animal rights advocates and local residents, many of whom have expressed outrage on social media. The investigation will determine whether the officer's actions were justified under Georgia law.
As the community mourns HeeHaw's death, the case underscores the delicate balance officers must strike between public safety and the protection of property, even in rural settings where livestock are common.
