A Georgia police officer has been placed on administrative leave after fatally shooting a family’s pet donkey during a late-night search for a missing person.

The donkey, named HeeHaw, was reportedly bottle-raised and approached officers while braying after they entered the family’s property around 12:45 a.m.

According to the owner, officers attempted to use a Taser before shooting HeeHaw, saying they believed the animal posed a threat.

The missing person was later found safely, while the Cedartown Police Department launched an internal investigation into the shooting, The Guardian has reported.

The donkey’s owner is demanding answers and considering legal action as the incident draws widespread public criticism.