Georgia cop kills beloved pet donkey in his own pasture as heartbroken owner demands justice: 'We miss him'
Donkey Killed During Search for Missing Child in Georgia Sparks Investigation
A baby donkey named He Haw was shot and killed in its own pasture on the night of Sunday, January 28, 2024, while police officers searched for a missing child in Rockmart, Polk County. The incident has prompted a statewide investigation and the temporary removal of the officer involved from duty.
The officers, who were part of a search for a child later found at a nearby church, entered the Israel family’s property at about 12:45 a.m. with no prior warning. According to Hannah Israel, 30, who owns the donkey, the animal ran up to the officers, braying, and the officers allegedly fired their weapons after attempting to use a Taser. Israel posted the incident on Facebook, calling the shooting “illegal” and demanding justice for the donkey, whom she described as her son.
“He Haw was shot and killed in his own pasture for doing what donkeys do. Alerting to a stranger. There is no way this is legal!” Israel wrote in a post. In another message she lamented, “We are heart‑broken. He was my SON!!” and added, “Where is safe? When my own baby was shot in his own home?”
A photo circulating on social media shows Israel standing beside the lifeless donkey, whose eyes were wide open. She has since created a GoFundMe page, raising more than $113,000, to cover legal fees and support the farm’s animal care. Israel stated that any remaining donations would go toward establishing a foundation in He Haw’s name.
The Cedartown Police Department has placed the officer on paid administrative leave pending investigation. Chief Jamie Newsom released a statement indicating that body‑camera footage exists and that he has personally reviewed it. “That search took them to the incident location where this very unfortunate and heartbreaking event occurred,” Newsom said. “I understand the heartbreak that the family and the community is facing after the donkey’s death. They’re members of the human family, and I am too, and heartbroken.”
The department confirmed it has turned over the case to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division, which arrived at Elsberry Farm on Monday, January 29, to continue the inquiry. The division’s investigation will determine whether the officer’s actions complied with state law and departmental policy.
The family’s missing child, an autistic teenager, was found later that day at a nearby church, ending the search. The circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, however, remain a separate matter under investigation.
As the investigation proceeds, residents of Rockmart and the surrounding area await answers about the circumstances that led to the donkey’s death and the legal ramifications for the officer involved.