Sherry Cartechine (@SherryCartechine)

Fatal Shooting of Miniature Donkey “HeeHaw” in Georgia A 1‑year‑old miniature donkey named HeeHaw was fatally shot by a Cedartown, Georgia police officer while authorities were searching a pasture for a missing 12‑year‑old girl Yahoo Yahoo +1 . Incident Details According to the officer’s written report, the shooting occurred on a hillside pasture along Grady Road in Polk County. Officers, including K‑9 units from multiple agencies, were on a nighttime search when horses in the pasture became “spooked” and ran away. A donkey approached the officer and a K‑9 handler, prompting the handler to use a Taser. The officer claimed the donkey did not stop charging, so he drew his Glock 17 and fired a single round WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta . HeeHaw died from the shot. Owner’s Account Hannah Israel, the donkey’s owner and Elsberry Farm’s operator, said HeeHaw was her “bottle baby” and highly socialized, often visiting petting zoos and nursing homes with her family . She described him as “very well socialized” and “our family,” and expressed confusion over how an officer could fear for his life. Israel has stated the officers were on private property without notification or permission Police Response Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome confirmed the officer was placed on leave during the investigation and that the department had reviewed the body camera video, though he did not disclose its contents . The case is under investigation. Public Reaction The incident has sparked widespread online backlash against the Cedartown Police Department, with social media users criticizing the department’s “To protect and serve” motto in light of the killing Many comments questioned how an officer could be afraid of a small, tame donkey and called for accountability. Fundraiser and Legal Action Israel has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the farm, animal care, and a potential “HeeHaw Foundation.” As of the latest update, the fundraiser has surpassed $113,000 toward its goal Current Status The investigation is ongoing, and the officer’s identity has not been publicly confirmed. The case has drawn national attention, with calls for transparency and justice for HeeHaw and his family https://www.newsweek.com/georgia-officer-report-recounts-moment-he-fatally-shot-heehaw-the-donkey-12398369