WASHINGTON, USA: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after disclosing in her upcoming memoir that she once shot her family dog—a revelation that has shocked many Americans in a nation that values its pets dearly.
In excerpts obtained by The Guardian newspaper from her memoir titled “No Going Back,” the conservative Republican recounts the grim incident involving her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, following a hunting outing gone awry. Noem candidly describes how she deemed Cricket “untrainable” and, after the dog’s disruptive behavior during a pheasant hunt and subsequent killing of several chickens, decided to euthanize her.
“It was not a pleasant job, but it had to be done,” Noem writes, reflecting on the difficult decision she faced. She goes on to reveal another distressing act she performed, explaining how she also euthanized a “nasty and mean” goat.
The revelation has reverberated throughout the political landscape, particularly as Noem is frequently mentioned in discussions regarding Trump’s potential vice presidential pick. The incident has drawn parallels to past controversies involving political figures and their treatment of animals, such as Mitt Romney’s admission about transporting his dog on the roof of a car.
Critics have seized upon the disclosure to cast aspersions on Noem’s candidacy, with Democratic operatives using the opportunity to criticize both her actions and her political aspirations. Democratic President Joe Biden’s team capitalized on the issue by highlighting it as evidence of Noem’s unsuitability for higher office.
The story quickly gained traction on social media, prompting responses from prominent figures across the political spectrum. Democratic governors Tim Walz and Gretchen Whitmer encouraged people to share photos with their dogs as a gesture of disapproval for Noem’s actions.
On television talk shows like “The View,” hosts condemned Noem’s actions, with one likening her to the villainous character Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians” and another labeling her actions as “despicable.”
Noem, however, defended her actions, asserting that the incident demonstrated her willingness to tackle tough challenges, both in politics and in ranch life. Despite her explanation, skepticism remains widespread, with critics questioning her judgment and empathy.
As the controversy unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the significance Americans place on the treatment of animals and its implications for public figures seeking office. For Noem, the fallout from this revelation may have lasting repercussions on her political future.
