The Brief Cedartown police placed an officer on administrative leave after a donkey named HeeHaw was shot and killed in Polk County. Farm owners said officers searched their pasture for a missing person without permission before firing at the animal. Authorities confirmed the incident is being investigated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.



A Cedartown police officer has been placed on administrative leave after a donkey was fatally shot in Polk County on Sunday.

What we know:

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said command staff launched an investigation into the shooting, placing an unidentified officer on administrative leave.

Image 1 of 2   HeeHaw (Courtesy of Hannah Israel)

Elsberry Riding and Farm posted on Facebook that law enforcement searched the property's pasture around 12:45 a.m. Sunday without the owner's permission.

The post claimed officers stated the donkey, named HeeHaw, ran up to them braying before they tried to tase him and then shot him dead.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office confirmed its agency was not involved in the shooting, noting the incident involved officers from the Polk County Police Department and the Cedartown Police Department.

 We extend our sincere condolences to the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. We understand the concern and sadness surrounding what occurred,  the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

What we don't know:

Officials have not released the identity of the officer who fired the fatal shot or detailed why the animal was perceived as a threat. The City of Cedartown said it is aware of the incident but will not release further information at this time due to the active investigation.

What they're saying:

Farm owner Hannah Israel said officers entered her pasture without asking for permission.

Israel noted it took her family up to 20 minutes to search the pasture and find HeeHaw's body because officers did not direct her to the location.

Israel, who bottle-raised the animal and brought him to local petting zoos, confirmed she hired an attorney and is considering a civil lawsuit.

HeeHaw was fat

#fox26houston   #crimewatchhouston