A Cedartown police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after shooting a family’s pet donkey during a search for a missing child in Rockmart, Georgia. The child was later found at a nearby church, while the donkey, named HeeHaw, died in the family’s pasture. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. The animal’s owner, Hannah Israel, is seeking legal action and has raised money to cover related costs.
| 1) | Officer placed on leave after shooting |
| 2) | Family describes HeeHaw’s role on the farm |
| 3) | State agriculture investigators examine the death |
| 4) | Police chief acknowledges community heartbreak |
| 5) | Fundraiser supports legal costs and animal care |
Officer placed on leave after shooting
The incident occurred at about 12:45 a.m. during an effort by Cedartown police officers to locate a missing child. Officers entered the family’s property in Rockmart, in Polk County, and searched the pasture. According to Israel’s account, officers encountered HeeHaw, a young donkey that approached while braying.
Israel said the officer believed the animal presented a threat and shot it after attempting to use a conducted-energy weapon. The child was later located at a nearby church. The police department has not publicly released a final account of the encounter, but officials confirmed that body-camera footage exists.
Family describes HeeHaw’s role on the farm
Israel described HeeHaw as a cherished member of the family and said the donkey had been raised as a bottle-fed animal. She said he regularly participated in petting zoos and brought joy to visitors at the farm.
“He was my SON,” Israel wrote in a social media post, describing the family’s grief and asking how a pet could be safe in its own home.
In an interview, Israel said HeeHaw would run toward people, bray when he saw them and make a distinctive sound. She also said he slept in her bed during the first three months of his life, underscoring the close bond between the animal and the family.
State agriculture investigators examine the death
The Cedartown Police Department said it transferred the animal-shooting investigation to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division. State investigators were at Elsberry Farm on Monday examining the circumstances of HeeHaw’s death.
The department also placed the involved officer on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. The leave is an interim action and does not establish whether department policies or state law were violated. The available account indicates that investigators will review the encounter, including the officer’s response and any body-camera evidence.
Police chief acknowledges community heartbreak
Police Chief Jamie Newsom said he had viewed the body-camera footage and described the event as unfortunate and heartbreaking. He said the search for the missing child led officers to the location where the shooting occurred.
“They’re members of the human family, and I am too, and heartbroken,” Newsom said while addressing the family’s loss and the reaction in the community.
The chief’s comments came as Israel called for accountability and said she intended to pursue legal action. The state investigation is expected to determine the relevant facts before any further official conclusions are announced.
Fundraiser supports legal costs and animal care
Israel established an online fundraiser to help pay legal expenses connected to HeeHaw’s death. By Tuesday morning, the campaign had raised more than $113,000. Israel said remaining funds would support the farm, animal care and a future foundation in HeeHaw’s name rather than her personal expenses.
The fundraiser described HeeHaw as a loved family member who had helped make people smile through the farm’s petting- zoo activities. Israel’s request for justice has drawn financial support while the state investigation proceeds.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Cedartown officer shot the family donkey during a missing-child search. |
| 2 | The officer was placed on paid administrative leave. |
| 3 | The Georgia Department of Agriculture is investigating. |
| 4 | The family says HeeHaw was a beloved pet and farm animal. |
| 5 | A fundraiser is supporting legal costs, animal care and a planned foundation. |
Summary
The shooting of HeeHaw remains under investigation by Georgia agriculture authorities. The police officer involved is on paid leave, and body-camera footage is available for review. The family is mourning the donkey and seeking legal accountability, while public donations are supporting its response and the care of animals at the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to HeeHaw?
HeeHaw, a family’s pet donkey, was shot and killed by a Cedartown police officer during a search for a missing child at the family’s property in Rockmart, Georgia.
Why was the officer placed on leave?
The Cedartown Police Department placed the officer on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division.
Was the missing child found?
Yes. The child was later found at a nearby church after officers searched the property and encountered HeeHaw.
What will the fundraiser support?
Israel said donations will help cover legal costs, with any remaining funds directed to the farm, animal care and a future foundation honoring HeeHaw.
