Georgia cop kills beloved pet donkey in his own pasture as heartbroken owner demands justice: 'We miss him'

A family's beloved pet donkey, HeeHaw, was shot and killed by a police officer in Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia, after officers searched the animal's pasture in search of a missing child who was later found at a nearby church.

According to Hannah Israel, the owner of the donkey, the officers entered the family's property without warning at around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday while looking for the missing child. Israel claimed that the officers shot and killed HeeHaw after trying to use a Taser on the donkey, which had brayed and approached them. The officers had been searching for the missing child, who was later found safe at a nearby church.

Israel expressed her outrage and heartbreak over the incident, stating that HeeHaw was shot in his own pasture for doing what donkeys do - alerting to a stranger. She vowed to take legal action and demanded justice for her pet. Israel had previously posted on Facebook, saying that HeeHaw was shot and killed for doing what donkeys do, and that there was no way this was legal.

The Cedartown Police Department has placed the officer involved on paid administrative leave while an investigation is ongoing. The department has turned over the investigation to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division, which is investigating the incident. Police Chief Jamie Newsom has viewed body camera footage of the incident and expressed his understanding of the heartbreak that the family and the community are facing.

The incident has sparked a strong reaction from the community, with Israel setting up a GoFundMe to help cover legal costs related to HeeHaw's death. The fundraiser has raised over $113,000 as of Tuesday morning, with any donations left over after legal costs going toward the farm, care of the animals, and a future HeeHaw foundation.