Pet Donkey Shot Dead By Georgia Cop During Missing Child Search, Fundraiser Surpasses $35,000

A Georgia police officer has been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of a beloved family pet, a baby donkey named "Hee-Haw," during a pre-dawn search on their property. The incident occurred on Sunday when officers entered the pasture in Rockmart without permission or notification from the family, according to Hee-Haw's owner, Hannah Israel.

Israel stated that the small male donkey reacted defensively by braying when he sensed strangers on the Elsberry farm. One of the officers reportedly opened fire on Hee-Haw, citing fear for his safety.

The family is left devastated by the loss of their cherished pet, as Hee-Haw was not a stray but a valued member of their household. The heartbreaking incident has prompted the family to seek answers regarding the officer's actions. An online fundraising campaign initiated by Israel to support legal action in response to the donkey's death has quickly raised over $35,000, as reported by The Guardian.

According to police, the missing child was ultimately found at a church near the pasture where Hee-Haw met his tragic end. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the donkey's death. Animal rights activists have criticized the use of the donkey as a protest symbol by the National Congress of Pagans (NCP) leader Zeeshan Siddique's supporters.