South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Faces Backlash for Killing 'Untrainable' Dog

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, has faced widespread criticism after revealing in her upcoming memoir that she shot and killed her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, which she described as "untrainable" and "dangerous to anyone she came in contact with." "Cricket showed her aggressive personality early and often," Noem wrote, explaining that the dog had spoiled a pheasant hunt, killed several chickens, and tried to bite her.

Noem defended her decision to kill Cricket, stating that South Dakota law allows for dogs that attack livestock to be put down. "I followed the law, took responsibility for the dog, and made the decision to put her down," Noem said. She also recounted killing a "nasty and mean" male goat that her family owned. Noem maintained that these were tough but necessary decisions that happen on a farm.

The revelations from Noem's memoir, titled "No Going Back," have sparked a fierce backlash from politicians, animal advocates, and the public. Democrats have seized on the incident, with President Joe Biden's team and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemning Noem's actions. The Lincoln Project, a conservative group opposed to Trump, released a video criticizing Noem, and the story has been widely mocked and denounced on social media.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding Noem's decision to kill her dog has raised questions about her political judgment and viability as a potential vice presidential candidate. As a prominent Republican governor and Trump ally, Noem's actions and public image could have implications for the 2024 presidential race and the future direction of the Republican Party.

Noem has refused to apologize for killing Cricket, insisting that she was willing to do what was necessary, even if it was "difficult, messy and ugly." However, dog experts have argued that Noem should have sought training or other options instead of resorting to killing the puppy. "This was an inappropriate and inhumane response to a common dog training issue," said a spokesperson for the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America. The backlash has been swift and severe, with sources in Trump's orbit describing Noem's decision to disclose the incident as "pure political self-immolation" that has damaged her chances of being selected as Trump's running mate.

Key Takeaways

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem revealed in her memoir that she shot and killed her 14-month-old dog.
• Noem defended her decision, citing the dog's aggressive behavior and South Dakota law allowing for livestock-attacking dogs to be put down.
• Noem's actions have sparked widespread criticism from politicians, animal advocates, and the public, with some calling it an "inappropriate and inhumane response."
• The controversy has raised questions about Noem's political judgment and viability as a potential vice presidential candidate for Trump in 2024.
• Sources in Trump's orbit have described Noem's decision to disclose the incident as "pure political self-immolation" that has damaged her chances of being selected as Trump's running mate.