A woman is heartbroken following the tragic shooting of her cherished pet donkey, HeeHaw, by a police officer during a search for a missing individual.
Hannah Israel, a resident of Cedartown, Georgia, reported that police entered her property without consent while searching for a missing child at approximately 12:45 AM on Sunday, August 30.
In a Facebook post, Hannah recounted that the police claimed the miniature donkey approached them braying, leading them to believe they were in danger, prompting them to shoot and kill him after attempting to use a Taser.
The distraught farm owner expressed that the small bottle-fed donkey was like a son to her, having been raised in her home as part of the family.
She added, “HeeHaw was raised indoors and participated in petting zoos; he never met a stranger.”
HeeHaw’s heartbroken owner says he was like ‘a son’ (Elsberry Riding and Farm/Facebook)
“He was shot and killed in his own pasture for simply doing what donkeys do: alerting to the presence of a stranger.”
Israel further stated that the officers did not inform her of the location where HeeHaw was killed, and it took her and her family approximately 20 minutes to locate his body.
The city of Cedartown has confirmed that an officer has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
In a statement to 11 Alive, the city of Cedartown remarked: “The Cedartown Police Department acknowledges that a city police officer shot and killed a donkey in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“A Cedartown police officer responded to the scene after being summoned by Polk County Police to assist in a nighttime search for a missing child. At the time of the shooting, the child had not yet been found.
“Fortunately, the child was later discovered at a church located near the pasture where the donkey was shot.”
The little donkey was killed on Sunday (GoFundMe)
“The Cedartown Police Department has turned over the investigation of the animal shooting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division for investigation and placed the officer involved on paid administrative leave while this investigation is ongoing. Because of the nature of this investigation, neither the Cedartown Police Department nor any other city department can comment further on the matter at this time.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has since confirmed its agency was not involved in the shooting.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. We understand the concern and sadness surrounding what occurred,” the sheriff’s office added.
LADbible has reached out to the Cedartown Police Department for comment.
The family has launched a fundraiser
Hannah has recently established a GoFundMe page to gather funds intended to ‘cover legal fees following the tragic death of HeeHaw’.
In a statement regarding the fundraiser, Hannah expressed that the ‘bottle baby donkey’ was fatally injured by ‘trespassing police officers’.
“He was a cherished member of our family, participating in numerous petting zoos and bringing joy to many,” she stated.
“We are collecting funds for legal expenses. Any surplus not allocated for legal fees will be directly returned to the care and feeding of the animals.”
As of the time of this writing, the campaign has successfully raised $116,000 (£out of a goal of $170,000.
Hannah also clarified the intended use of these funds, with the hope that HeeHaw will leave a legacy that enhances the lives of other animals on the farm.
The update stated: “We are overwhelmed by the support from our community! Thank you to everyone who has contributed, shared, called, texted, created shirts, and more! HeeHaw’s life was significant, and you all have demonstrated that!
“I have engaged a lawyer who will not be utilizing the GoFundMe funds. Therefore, if you contributed for legal purposes, please feel free to contest that and reclaim your donation. Any remaining contributions will be directed towards the farm, the care of the animals, establishing a HeeHaw foundation, and none will be used for our personal expenses. This is not a financial gain for us. HeeHaw’s life cannot be quantified in monetary terms.
“Thank y’all so much for your support.”Featured Image Credit: Elsberry Riding and Farm/Facebook