CEDARTOWN, Ga. — A Cedartown family is seeking answers after they say a police officer shot and killed their pet donkey during a search for a missing person.
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Hannah Israel said officers entered her pasture around 12:45 a.m. while searching for a missing person. According to Israel, officers entered without permission or warning before encountering her donkey, HeeHaw.
Israel said officers told her the donkey ran toward them while braying and that they believed they were in danger. She said officers attempted to use a Taser before shooting and killing the animal.
Israel said HeeHaw was bottle-raised and had been raised in the family’s home.
“He was my SON,” Israel wrote in a social media post.
HeeHaw came from Elsberry Riding and Farm where he participated in petting zoos, according to information provided by the owner.
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The City of Cedartown confirmed the incident and said the officer involved has been placed on leave.
“The Cedartown Police Department is aware of the incident. An investigation is underway, and the officer involved has been placed on leave,” the city said in a statement.
The city declined to provide additional details because of the active investigation.
Israel said she plans to take legal action over the shooting.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established to help cover legal fees related to the incident and the family’s efforts to seek answers.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what happened when officers encountered HeeHaw and why the officer discharged their weapon, remain under investigation.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The family’s account of the incident has not been independently verified. The City of Cedartown has confirmed the incident and the officer’s leave but has not released additional details.
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