CEDARTOWN, Ga. — A family’s property became the scene of a heartbreaking late-night encounter after Georgia police officers pursuing a suspect entered a pasture and fatally shot a beloved pet donkey named HeeHaw.
The incident happened at about 12:45 a.m. in Cedartown, near the Alabama border, according to the family.
Hannah Israel, 30, said officers entered the family’s property without notice while chasing a suspect. During the pursuit, they encountered HeeHaw, a small donkey who Israel says reacted to the unexpected presence of strangers in his pasture.
According to Israel, officers said the animal ran toward them while braying and that they believed they were in danger.
She said officers attempted to use a Taser before shooting and killing the donkey.
The incident has left Israel and her family devastated, with the owner now demanding answers over why the encounter ended with HeeHaw being killed.
Owner Says HeeHaw Was a Gentle Family Pet
Israel described HeeHaw as far more than a farm animal.
She said the donkey was raised inside the family home and had been involved in petting zoos, where he was accustomed to being around people.
“HeeHaw was raised in the house and did petting zoos he never knew a stranger,” Israel wrote in a Facebook post.
She said his reaction that night was consistent with the behavior of a donkey responding to an unfamiliar person entering his territory.
“He was shot and killed in his OWN pasture for doing what donkeys do. Alerting to a stranger,” she wrote.
Israel said HeeHaw came from Elseberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart and had been bottle-raised by her at her pasture.
For the family, his loss has been especially painful because of the bond they shared with him.
“We are heartbroken. He was my son,” Israel wrote.
Emotional Aftermath Leaves Family Devastated
A photograph taken after the shooting showed Israel grieving beside HeeHaw’s body, capturing the emotional aftermath of the incident.
The death has sparked anger among those who believe the donkey should not have been considered a threat.
Israel maintains that HeeHaw was a familiar, social animal that had spent much of his life around people. She says the family never expected a police pursuit through the property to result in the loss of their pet.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain a major point of concern for Israel, particularly because she says officers entered the property while pursuing someone else.
She is now seeking legal action over the shooting and has turned to supporters for help with the associated expenses.
Police Officer Placed on Leave
Cedartown officials have confirmed that the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on leave.
Officials have not provided additional details about the incident, including further information about what happened during the encounter between the officers and HeeHaw.
The lack of publicly released details has left the family waiting for more answers about the circumstances that led to the donkey being shot.
Israel has vowed to continue pursuing the matter and wants accountability for what happened to her pet.
Legal Fundraiser Surpasses $76,000
The family’s effort to seek legal recourse has received significant financial support.
A GoFundMe campaign for Israel’s legal fees had raised more than $76,000 as of Monday afternoon, according to the information provided about the case.
The fundraising response shows how strongly supporters have reacted to HeeHaw’s death and Israel’s demand for justice.
For Israel, however, the money cannot replace the animal she considered part of her family.
The case has also prompted broader questions about how officers should respond when they encounter animals during police pursuits, particularly on private property.
As officials continue to provide limited information, the family is left mourning a pet that Israel says was loved, trusted and deeply woven into their lives.
Do you think the circumstances surrounding HeeHaw’s death deserve a full investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments.