Outrage erupted online after two Georgia police officers shot and killed a baby donkey on a farm.
The heartbreaking incident reportedly happened at Elsberry Riding and Farm. The owners shared a video on their TikTok account showing their baby donkey, named HeeHaw. They claimed that two police officers were trespassing on their property when HeeHaw ran toward them to greet them. According to the owners, the officers then shot and killed the donkey.
The family described HeeHaw as a “sweet and innocent soul” and said they had raised him since he was just one day old. “His life was cut so short by such cruel people. HE NEEDS JUSTICE,” they wrote. According to the owners, the officers claimed that HeeHaw had tried to “attack” them. The family ended the post by writing, “Fly high HeeHaw you will be missed. And we WILL get you justice.”
In a Facebook post, the family also claimed that a Polk County police officer was responsible for killing HeeHaw at around 12:45 a.m. According to the owners, officers entered the pasture while searching for a missing person without having permission from them. They said the officers “shot and killed my bottle raised BABY donkey.”
The owners added that the officers claimed HeeHaw ran toward them while braying, which made them believe they were in danger. According to the family, the officers first attempted to use a Taser on the donkey before shooting and killing him. “HeeHaw was raised in the house and did petting zoos he never knew a stranger. And was shot and killed in his OWN pasture for doing what donkeys do. Alerting to a stranger,” the family wrote.
The owners of HeeHaw also said that they planned to take legal action against those involved. “Share this everywhere and get justice for HeeHaw. We are heart broken. He was my SON‼” they added.
In addition to their posts, the family later started a GoFundMe to help cover their legal expenses. “We are raising money to lawyer fees. Anything not used for lawyer will go directly back to the animals care and feed. Help me get justice for HeeHaw!” they wrote in the fundraiser’s description. As of the latest update, the GoFundMe had raised more than $42,000.
What Happened Next
After news broke that the baby donkey had been killed by police officers, outrage erupted online. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that one of the officers involved had been placed on administrative leave. The outlet also reported that Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said command staff had launched an investigation into the shooting. As of now, the officer involved has not been publicly identified.
The officers involved were identified as being 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. The City of Cedartown also confirmed that it was aware of the incident but said it would not release further information while the investigation remains active. It is unclear whether the other officer involved will also face disciplinary action.
Viewers Outraged After Georgia Police Officers Kill Baby Donkey
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers were left outraged after learning that the Georgia police officers had shot and killed the family’s donkey. Some questioned whether the baby donkey could have posed a serious threat to the officers. “If a cop is scared of a donkey then that person shouldn’t be a cop,” one person wrote. Another person claimed, “He wasn’t scared. He just wanted to kill something..” Someone else said, “A donkey? Really? They were threatened by a donkey???? I’m so sorry for your loss.”
More people expressed outrage and sympathized with the family following their loss. “DEMAND the body cam footage‼! Im so so sorry,” one person wrote. Another person told the family, “JUSTICE FOR HEEHAW! REPORT IT TO THE POLICE STATION AND DEMAND A EXPLANATION AND TAKE THEM TO COURT.”
The incident prompted discussion about how police officers should take appropriate precautions when entering properties where animals are present, particularly when responding to an incident involving a missing person. It also raised questions about whether a baby donkey should have been considered a threat and whether lethal force was necessary after the animal reportedly approached the officers.
