Donkey shot, killed in Polk County; Cedartown officer on leave
HeeHaw was fatally shot during a law enforcement investigation in Polk County on August 30, 2026. (Credit: Elsberry Riding and Farm Facebook)
POLK COUNTY, Ga. - A Cedartown police officer has been placed on administrative leave after a donkey was fatally shot in Polk County on Sunday.
What we know:
Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said command staff launched an investigation into the shooting, placing an unidentified officer on administrative leave.
Elsberry Riding and Farm posted on Facebook that law enforcement searched the property's pasture around 12:45 a.m. Sunday without the owner's permission.
The post claimed officers stated the donkey, named HeeHaw, ran up to them braying before they tried to tase him and then shot him dead.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office confirmed its agency was not involved in the shooting, noting the incident involved officers from the Polk County Police Department and the Cedartown Police Department.
"We extend our sincere condolences to the family and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. We understand the concern and sadness surrounding what occurred," the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
What we don't know:
Officials have not released the identity of the officer who fired the fatal shot or detailed why the animal was perceived as a threat.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a statement by Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome to FOX 5 Atlanta, a public Facebook post by Elsberry Riding and Farm, as well as official statements provided by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.