Gov. Kristi Noem Under Fire for Shooting Family Dog and Goat

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces widespread backlash after revealing in her forthcoming book,"No Going Back,"that she shot and killed her family's 14-month-old hunting dog, Cricket, along with an unnamed goat. Noem cited safety concerns for her children being the reason behind her actions, but the incident has sparked outrage from both Democrats and Republicans, potentially jeopardizing her chances of being selected Donald Trump's running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding Noem's actions raises questions about her judgment and compassion, which are essential qualities for a political leader. The incident may also have broader implications for the 2024 presidential election, as it could influence voter perceptions of Noem's character and fitness for office.

In her book, Noem expressed her disdain for Cricket, writing, "I hated that dog," after the young hunting dog ruined a pheasant hunt and killed a neighbor's chickens. Noem took Cricket to a gravel pit, where she shot the dog dead. She then proceeded to kill the goat, which required two shotgun blasts separated by a walk back to her truck to retrieve more shells.

The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from fellow Republicans, including Senator Mitt Romney, who stated on Capitol Hill, "I didn't eat my dog. I didn't shoot my dog. I loved my dog, and my dog loved me." Romney added that Noem's admission "kind of makes it a little difficult for President Trump to find someone to be his [vice-president]."

Animal welfare advocates and hunting experts have challenged Noem's justification for shooting the young dog, arguing that it was an unnecessary and extreme measure. Moreover, a review of South Dakota law suggests that Noem's actions may have constituted misdemeanor offenses.

Despite the backlash, Noem has defended her decision, characterizing it that kind of tough choice often required by life on a farm. She has also expressed a willingness to engage in similar "dirty work" in the political arena. However, her stance has done little to quell the controversy surrounding the incident.

The controversy has been further fueled by Noem's recent statement in a Newsmax interview, where she mentioned that her family had euthanized three horses, which she referred to as "family members." The apparent inconsistency between her treatment of Cricket and the horses has raised questions about her judgment and compassion towards animals.

With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the incident with Cricket and the goat threaten to overshadow Noem's political ambitions. While she has been considered a potential running mate for Donald Trump, the controversy surrounding her actions may give the former president pause in selecting her as his vice-presidential candidate. The story of Cricket's untimely demise serves as a cautionary tale for politicians, highlighting the potential consequences of actions that may be perceived as callous or extreme, even in the context of rural life.

Key Takeaways

• Gov. Kristi Noem faces backlash for killing her 14-month-old hunting dog, Cricket, and a goat in her book "No Going Back".
• Noem cited safety concerns for her children, but critics argue it was an unnecessary and extreme measure.
• The incident has sparked outrage from both Democrats and Republicans, potentially jeopardizing her VP chances.
• Noem's actions may have constituted misdemeanor offenses under South Dakota law.
• The controversy threatens to overshadow Noem's political ambitions, including her potential VP bid.