A Georgia police officer who shot and killed a beloved pet donkey while searching for a missing 12-year-old girl has explained why he opened fire, saying the animal charged at officers and did not stop even after a Taser was used.The donkey, named HeeHaw, was a one-year-old bottle-raised animal kept as a family pet at Elsberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart, Georgia. His death on August 30 triggered widespread outrage after the owner said he was friendly, harmless and had never shown aggression toward people.A newly released police report provides the first detailed account from Cedartown Police Officer Trenton Garner, who was involved in the search for the missing girl.
What happened to HeeHaw?
According to Garner’s report, officers were searching for the 12-year-old girl shortly after midnight on August 30. A K-9 handler and a bloodhound team were following a trail of footprints when they entered the property.Garner said the team followed the trail toward a petting zoo and pasture area. As they moved along a fence line, horses in the pasture became startled and ran away.The officers then spotted HeeHaw.Garner said the donkey began moving toward the officers and then charged at them.The K-9 handler reportedly pulled out a Taser and aimed it at the animal. According to Garner, the Taser failed to stop HeeHaw.Garner then drew his department-issued Glock 17 and fired a single shot.The donkey was struck and ran up a hill before collapsing, according to the police report.
Officer says he feared the donkey
Garner’s account is that he fired because he believed HeeHaw posed a threat to the officers.The police report says the team was moving through the property while trying to locate the missing girl and that the donkey’s behavior prompted the officers to respond with force.The incident was also captured by a drone being operated by Rockmart firefighters, according to reports.The missing girl was eventually found safe at a church near the area where officers were searching.
Owner disputes police account
HeeHaw’s owner, Hannah Israel, has strongly disputed the suggestion that the donkey was dangerous. Israel said HeeHaw had been bottle-raised and was accustomed to people because he had been used in petting zoos. She described him as a beloved family animal who had never shown aggression toward strangers.She has also questioned why officers entered the property and pasture without notifying the family or obtaining permission. Israel said HeeHaw was simply reacting to strangers entering his territory when he approached and brayed. The family has been left devastated by the shooting and has sought accountability over the incident.
What happened to the police officer?
Garner has been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.The Cedartown Police Department confirmed that an investigation was underway. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division is also conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. The incident has generated significant public reaction, with many people questioning whether deadly force was justified against the donkey and demanding the release of body-camera footage.Israel has also shared videos of HeeHaw from before his death, showing the animal at the farm.She has urged people not to threaten the officer or others involved, while continuing to seek accountability through legal channels.
Why was HeeHaw on the property?
The donkey was not connected to the missing-child case.Police were searching the area after the 12-year-old girl went missing. Officers followed a trail during the search that led them onto the farm property. The girl was later found safe near a church. HeeHaw was encountered during that search and was shot after the officer said the animal charged at the team.
