09/02/2026
Update on the HeeHaw situation from the owner at Elsberry Riding and Farm. See her words below. This is not our animal. We are not involved. We are sharing to generate awareness, discussion, and to help this victim seek justice for HeeHaw. The situation occurred in Georgia.
I have struggled to find the words to address everything that has happened over the last few days.
I am still completely heartbroken and traumatized by the loss of my beautiful HeeHaw. He wasn’t “just a donkey.” He was a baby I bottle-raised, loved, and cared for every single day. Trying to grieve him while suddenly facing thousands of opinions, accusations, and messages has been incredibly overwhelming.
This has nothing to do with the girl who was missing. I am incredibly thankful she was found safe. This is about the fact that HeeHaw was shot and killed in his own pasture, on my property, without me even knowing officers were there. That is what I am seeking answers and accountability for.
I also do not condone death threats, harassment, or threats toward law enforcement, the girl’s family, or anyone else. Please do not do those things in HeeHaw’s name or mine. We can seek accountability without hatred.
I also want to address the allegations being made about the way I care for my animals. I do not abuse my animals. Quite a few of these accusations are coming from people who have previously been asked to leave or are no longer welcome at my farm and others. I am not going to publicly attack these individuals or turn this into a back-and-forth. I simply believe that context matters.
My animals are my life, and caring for them is my full-time job and responsibility. I spend my days feeding, watering, cleaning, tending to, working with, and loving them. They are regularly in full public view, and countless people have seen and interacted with them firsthand.
Lastly, I cannot express how grateful I am for the incredible support and generosity I have received. Anyone who wants their donation returned will have that choice. Many people have specifically asked me to keep their donations, and I want to respect their wishes as well. Any remaining funds will go toward the previously mentioned purposes and additional measures to protect this farm and my animals so something like this never happens here again.
I am asking for a little grace while I grieve and navigate everything that has happened.
At the center of all of this is a deeply loved little donkey named HeeHaw who lost his life in his own pasture. That is where my heart is, and that is who I will continue to stand up for. 🤍
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has shown kindness, prayed, donated, shared his story, or simply reminded me that I’m not grieving him alone.