GA Probes Donkey's Death; Officer On Leave

CEDARTOWN, GA — State officials are investigating the death of a donkey that was fatally shot by a Georgia officer, a local police chief said Monday.

The shooting that killed HeeHaw the donkey happened early Sunday morning after Polk County Police requested the help of Cedartown Police with a missing child investigation, officers said.

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The authorities were searching for the child who had not been found at the time of the deadly shooting, Cedartown Police said.

Officers told HeeHaw's family that he ran at them and brayed, "leading them to believe they were in danger," while they searched for the child, WXIA-TV reported.

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said HeeHaw was in his own pasture at the time of the shooting.

The child was later found at a church near the pasture where HeeHaw was killed, police said.

"I cannot imagine the grief and frustration that the tragic loss of Heehaw has caused, but I want our community to know what we are doing now," Newsome said.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division is independently investigating the death, he said.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the state probe, Newsome said.

HeeHaw, a petting zoo participant, was loved by his family, WXIA-TV reported. He was also friendly with strangers, according to the news outlet, citing his owners.

"I ask everyone to join us in prayer for everyone who have been impacted by this tragic event," Newsome said.