Google denies killing donkey with maps car

Internet giant Google has denied reports that a donkey was run over by one of its "Google Street View" teams in Botswana.

Images of the donkey were discovered on Google's mapping service, the Sun reported Wednesday.

A Google Street View image of what looked like a seriously injured or even dead donkey prompted questions about whether the web service harmed the animal.

The image taken in Botswana flooded social media websites.

Pictures showed the donkey standing upright on the right side of the road, but then further down the road the animal is seen lying on its side. This prompted rumours it was run over.

However, some internet users pointed out that the donkey may have been lying on its side before the car arrived, and got up as it approached.

A Google spokesperson denied the rumours, saying: "Our Street View teams take the safety of people and donkeys very seriously."