Georgia Officer Placed on Leave After Shooting Small Donkey During Search
A Cedartown police officer was put on administrative leave after shooting a small male donkey that approached officers during a nighttime missing-person search.
Around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, Cedartown police officers entered a pasture at Elsberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart as part of a search for a missing person. The farm’s owner, Hannah Israel, said the officers entered without permission and encountered HeeHaw, a small male donkey that approached and brayed at them. Officers attempted to subdue the animal with a taser but were unsuccessful; one officer then shot HeeHaw, resulting in the animal’s death.
The department has opened an investigation into the incident and placed the involved officer on administrative leave. Israel posted on Facebook describing the incident and created a GoFundMe that has raised over $56,000 to support potential legal action against the police. The case highlights concerns about law-enforcement conduct during searches.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about police use of force and handling of animals during investigations.
In this story
