A police officer in Rockmart, Georgia, shot and killed a baby donkey named HeeHaw after entering his pasture at an animal sanctuary without the owner's permission during a night-time search for a missing child. The officer, who has not been named, was placed on administrative leave following the incident, which occurred when officers said HeeHaw ran towards them braying and they believed he posed a threat, attempting to tase him before shooting. The sanctuary's owner and social media users have condemned the shooting, with many questioning why officers felt endangered by a young donkey and calling for the release of body camera footage.

The incident happened at around 12:45am at Elsberry Riding and Farm, where officers from the Cedartown Police Department and Polk County Police Department were searching for a missing 12-year-old, who was found safe roughly an hour after the shooting. Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said he was "heartbroken" over the death and confirmed the case has been handed to the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division for investigation. HeeHaw's owner, Hannah Israel, described him as a beloved, bottle-raised member of the family who took part in petting zoos, and has launched a GoFundMe to cover legal fees as she seeks accountability.