South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) responded to social media criticism on Sunday following her decision to share a story about putting down her dog after a hunting trip.
In a passage from her new book, Noem recounts the heartbreaking decision to put down her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer, Cricket, due to behavioral issues. The online community responded with widespread criticism, with Democratic governors even joining in by sharing photos with their own beloved pets, mocking Noem’s actions.
Related posts
“I can empathize with those who may feel unsettled by a story involving Cricket, one of the working dogs at our ranch, that dates back 20 years in my upcoming book, ‘No Going Back,'” shared Noem on the social platform X. “This book encompasses a collection of authentic stories from my life, encompassing both the highs and lows, the trials and tribulations, the difficult choices, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem justified her choice to euthanize the dog and to openly disclose the incident, stating that it demonstrates her authenticity, her willingness to learn from past experiences, and her refusal to avoid difficult situations.
“I decided to put Cricket down because South Dakota law allows for dogs who attack and kill livestock to be euthanized,” she explained. “Furthermore, Cricket had displayed aggression towards people through biting, so I made the decision based on her past behavior.”
In her book, Noem shares a story, first reported by The Guardian, in which Cricket disrupted a hunting trip by scaring away pheasants. Furthermore, the dog went on to attack a family’s chickens.
“I absolutely despised that dog,” she penned, expressing her disdain for Cricket and emphasizing that the dog was impossible to train, posed a danger, and held no value as a hunting companion.
“In that instant,” Noem recounted, “I came to the realization that I had to euthanize her.”
Afterwards, she guided Cricket towards a gravel pit located on her property and proceeded to put it down with a gunshot. She expressed that the task was far from enjoyable, but felt it was a necessary action.
In her account, Noem mentioned how she bravely took down a male goat that was known for its unpleasant demeanor. This particular goat had a strong odor and had a tendency to chase after her children. Due to its initial reaction of jumping when she fired her first shot, Noem had to fire a second round to ensure the goat was successfully subdued.
Criticism is being directed towards Noem as she is being considered as a potential running mate for former President Trump. Reports suggest that the governor is one of the finalists on the shortlist for the vice presidency.
The Democratic National Committee responded by pointing out other comments made by Noem that they considered extreme. This included her defense of her state’s abortion ban, even when asked about situations involving 10-year-olds being forced to give birth. They also highlighted instances where she praised Trump, such as her statement in September when she said she would be his running mate “in a heartbeat.”
