KAISER

🚨Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Cedartown Police Officer Over Fatal Donkey Shooting COMPLAINT 👇🏽 storage.courtlistener.com/re… ​A 12 page federal lawsuit has been filed by Hannah Israel, mother of "HeeHaw," against Cedartown Police Officer Trenton Garner following the fatal shooting of the animal. ​Key Lawsuit Allegations & Breakdown: ​Constitutional Violations: The complaint accuses Officer Garner of Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment violations, alleging unlawful entry/search of an enclosed pasture without a warrant, unreasonable destruction of property, and deprivation of property without due process. ​The Incident: The filing describes HeeHaw as "young, small, and tranquil," posing no threat to officers or police dogs. It alleges officers killed the donkey and left his body without notifying Israel, forcing her and a minor child to search the acreage in the dark to find him. ​Individual Capacity: Officer Garner is named as the sole defendant in his individual capacity; neither the City of Cedartown nor the police department are listed as defendants. ​Damages Sought: The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks compensatory/punitive damages, attorney fees, and costs (no specific dollar amount requested). This is distinct from the previously reported $1 million administrative notice sent to local officials. ​The central legal questions turn on whether officers possessed legal authority to enter the pasture and if the animal posed an immediate threat. Bodycam and drone footage are expected to play a critical role as the defense prepares its response. ​#LegalNews #Cedartown #GeorgiaLaw #FederalLawsuit #CourtUpdate