Georgia police officer put on leave after family’s pet donkey killed during search
Donkey named HeeHaw was shot and killed as authorities reportedly looked on property in search of a missing person A police officer in the US state of Georgia was placed on leave after a family’s pet baby donkey was shot and killed during an early-morning search on their property. The animal’s owner, Hannah Israel, said officers were at her pasture without notification or permission at about…
A Georgia police officer has been placed on leave after a family's baby donkey was shot and killed during an early morning search on their property. The incident occurred at Elsberry farm in Rockmart, Georgia, around 12.45am on Sunday, when officers were reportedly looking for a missing person. The donkey, named HeeHaw, emerged braying at the presence of strangers and was subsequently shot dead by an officer who claimed he felt threatened.
The police chief of Cedartown, Georgia, Jamie Newsome, confirmed that an inquiry into the matter was underway. However, a social media backlash emerged on Monday morning due to the lack of an official statement or confirmation from the city or police department. An online fundraising appeal to support legal action against HeeHaw's killing had already surpassed $35,000.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office, which was not involved in the incident, expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the concern and sadness surrounding the event.
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