Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Georgia Officer Shoots Pet Donkey During Missing Child Search
Police in Georgia were looking for a missing child near a family’s farm.
During the search, officers went into the family’s pasture at night.
The family says they were not told and did not give permission.
Their pet baby donkey, named Hee-Haw, came toward the officers and brayed.
One officer shot the donkey, saying he felt threatened.
The officer has been placed on leave while the incident is investigated.
The missing child was later found at a nearby church.
The donkey’s owner started a fundraiser, which has raised more than $35,000.
A Georgia police officer shot and killed a family’s pet baby donkey, Hee-Haw, during a missing-person search.
Officers entered the family’s pasture in Rockmart at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to the owner.
Owner Hannah Israel said the donkey approached officers braying after sensing strangers and that an officer claimed to feel threatened.
The officer has been placed on leave, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture is investigating the death.
A fundraiser launched by Israel to support potential legal action has surpassed $35,000, according to The Guardian.
- Who
- A Georgia police officer, pet donkey owner Hannah Israel, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are involved.
- What
- A police officer shot and killed the family’s pet baby donkey, Hee-Haw, during a search for a missing child or person.
- When
- Around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday.
- Where
- The family’s pasture at the Elsberry farm in Rockmart, Georgia.
- Why
- Officers were searching for a missing person; the officer reportedly said he felt threatened by the donkey.
Family’s account
Police account
Entry onto the property
Family’s account
Hannah Israel said officers entered the pasture without notifying the family or obtaining permission.
Police account
Police described the entry as part of an early-morning search for a missing person, but the article does not provide a detailed response about permission.
Why the donkey was shot
Family’s account
The family says Hee-Haw was a cherished pet and is seeking answers about why the encounter ended with his death.
Police account
According to the account presented, the officer said he felt threatened when the donkey approached while braying.
- Animal killed
- Hee-Haw, a small male pet donkey
- Location
- The family’s pasture in Rockmart, Georgia
- Time
- About 12:45 a.m. Sunday
- Police response
- The officer was placed on leave
- Investigation
- The Georgia Department of Agriculture is probing the circumstances
- Missing child
- Police said the child was found at a church near the pasture
- Fundraiser
- More than $35,000 raised for potential legal action