08/31/2026
I have so many questions about the mini donkey that was shot by officers in Georgia and have done my best to find answers for them.
What Happened: Officers from the Cedartown Police Department and the Polk County Police Department entered a private PASTURE not yard at Elsberry Riding and Farm around 12:45 a.m. to look for a missing person. It seems it was a “child” though I’m unsure of the age.
No Permission: The farm owners state that the officers did not ask for permission or have a warning before entering the property.
The Encounter: The owner, Hannah Israel, stated that officers reported the bottle-raised donkey named HeeHaw ran toward them and brayed. The officers believed they were in danger.
The Shooting: Officers tried to use a Taser on the animal before one officer shot and killed it.
BUT *****here’s the kicker *****- the child had been FOUND already an HOUR before which removes any reason to be on the property! I’m also curious if they climbed the fence or went through a latched gate ect.
They could have easily had dispatch calling property owners to get permission and find out if there are dangers? Ponds? Areas around kids may be attracted to ect? We have had dispatch call us before to ask if we have an animal out ect. They have the resources to do this and with a missing child I’m sure they had lots of ppl in wanting to help any way they can.
Everyone knows not to enter a pasture with a bull. For all they knew it was a bull in there when they decided to enter which makes me question did they enter with the mindset of well we will just shoot anything that comes running?
This is such a sad case all around and with all the publicity about the bull shooting a while back you would think everyone would have mentioned how to handle farm animals in the weekly meeting to avoid this exact situation.
The biggest question is WHY were they even in that pasture with no reason at all. It’s not that families fault that your communication skills suck!!
What would you do in this position??
