ROCKMART, GEORGIA — A Cedartown, Georgia, police officer was placed on administrative leave after shooting and killing a pet donkey named HeeHaw. The incident occurred during a search for a missing person at a farm in Rockmart, Georgia.

The shooting took place at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday at the Elsberry farm in Rockmart. Police officers were on the property searching for a missing person when the incident occurred. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the missing person was later found safe and unharmed.

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome stated that an inquiry into the shooting is underway. Command staff launched the investigation, and the officer involved was placed on administrative leave while the inquiry is conducted. Newsome emphasized that the department is cooperating fully with the investigation and will review body camera footage and witness statements.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that its officers were not involved in the incident. The agency confirmed that law enforcement personnel from the Polk County and Cedartown police departments were involved in the search operation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to assist in the review.

An online fundraising appeal launched by Hannah Israel, a family friend of the donkey’s owners, surpassed $35,000 by Monday morning. The campaign was established following the fatal shooting of the animal. The owners described HeeHaw as a beloved family pet who had lived on the farm for seven years.

Local animal control officials confirmed the donkey was not considered dangerous and had no history of aggressive behavior. The incident has drawn public attention to law enforcement protocols during search operations on private property.