09/01/2026
Everyone here at Ricky’s Ranch is absolutely devastated at the senseless murder of HeeHaw. 
There is absolutely no reason to have shot and killed this beautiful miniature donkey that was hand raised, and bottle fed. 
Law enforcement was on private property unannounced searching for a missing person when HeeHaw started braying and running towards the Officer.
It’s quite obvious that this was not an attacking dog. Or a bear, or any other dangerous animal. 
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HWsPBJTq3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Beloved Donkey HeeHaw Shot and Killed During Overnight Police Search in Polk County
Polk County, GA:
A beloved miniature donkey named HeeHaw was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer early Sunday morning during an overnight search for a missing person, prompting an investigation and calls for answers from his family.
According to the family and Elsberry Riding and Farm, officers entered a pasture at approximately 12:45 a.m. while searching the property. The family says they did not give officers permission to enter the pasture.
The family identified the donkey as HeeHaw, a bottle raised animal who had been raised around people and was described as a beloved member of the family. He had also participated in petting zoos and interacted with children and members of the public.
According to the family’s account, HeeHaw approached the officers while braying. The family says officers told them the donkey was running toward them and that they believed they were in danger. The family further alleges that officers attempted to use a Taser before an officer shot and killed HeeHaw.
Those details have not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly released a detailed account of the encounter.
The Cedartown Police Department has confirmed that an officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Police Chief Jamie Newsome said command staff opened an investigation into the shooting.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also clarified that its deputies were not involved. According to the sheriff’s office, officers from the Polk County Police Department and Cedartown Police Department were involved in the incident.
Officials have not identified the officer who fired the fatal shot or publicly explained what circumstances led to the use of deadly force against HeeHaw.
The shooting has generated significant public reaction online, with many people expressing sympathy for HeeHaw’s family and questioning why the encounter ended with the animal’s death.
HeeHaw’s owner, Hannah Israel, has described the donkey as much more than a farm animal.
“He was my SON,” Israel wrote in a public post.
Israel has said she intends to pursue legal action and is seeking answers about what happened during the encounter.
A fundraiser has also been established to help the family with legal expenses related to the incident.
For now, the circumstances surrounding HeeHaw’s death remain under investigation.
Eye on Cherokee will continue to follow the investigation as additional information becomes available.
