Investigation Launched After Georgia Officer Shoots Beloved Baby Donkey HeeHaw

CEDARTOWN, GEORGIA — The investigation into the shooting of a beloved young donkey named HeeHaw has been handed over to state authorities, as his family continues demanding answers about what happened on their property.

HeeHaw, a one-year-old donkey raised by his owner Hannah Israel from just hours after birth, was shot by a Cedartown police officer during a nighttime search for a missing child on August 30.

The child was later found safely at a nearby church.

State Authorities Take Over Investigation

The Cedartown Police Department has turned the case over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division.

The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

Officials have not publicly determined whether the officer’s actions were justified, and authorities have declined to provide further details while the investigation is underway.

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome confirmed that body-camera footage from the encounter exists and that he has personally viewed it.

However, the chief said he would not discuss what the footage shows because of the ongoing state investigation.

HeeHaw’s Owner Says He Was a Family Member

Israel has described HeeHaw as much more than livestock.

She bottle-raised him from approximately one hour old and said he spent his earliest months inside her home. He later became a familiar presence at the family’s farm and participated in petting zoos where he interacted with members of the community.

Israel said HeeHaw was especially friendly toward people and would often run toward someone while braying.

According to the family’s account, that behavior occurred when officers encountered him during their nighttime search.

Israel said officers told her they attempted to use a Taser before the officer ultimately fired.

The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.

Family Questions What Happened That Night

Israel has questioned why officers entered the pasture and whether the situation could have been handled differently.

She has also called for greater transparency and better protocols for law enforcement officers who encounter animals while conducting searches.

“We’re very traumatized and shocked,” Israel said, describing HeeHaw as her “kid.”

The family has since obtained legal representation and is preparing to pursue legal action.

Public Support Pours In

The case has generated widespread attention online, with supporters expressing sympathy for Israel and her family.

A fundraiser launched following the incident has received significant support, with money intended to help with legal expenses and the care of the family’s remaining animals.

Israel has also discussed creating a foundation in HeeHaw’s name, hoping his story could lead to greater awareness about how animals are handled during police operations.

Body-Camera Footage Could Become Key Evidence

With the state investigation now underway, the body-camera footage could provide important information about the encounter.

For now, however, the public has not been given a complete account of what occurred between the officers and HeeHaw.

Authorities have confirmed the shooting, the officer’s administrative leave and the transfer of the investigation, but have not announced any final conclusions.

For Israel, the questions remain deeply personal.

She had expected to watch HeeHaw grow for decades and imagined raising future children around the donkey she had cared for since his first hours of life.

Instead, her family is now waiting for investigators to determine exactly what happened in the pasture that night — and whether anything could have been done differently to prevent the loss of a beloved animal.