South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing backlash after revealing a controversial account in her new book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” In the book, Noem discusses the difficult decision she made to personally shoot her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, who she describes as having an “aggressive personality.” This decision has been met with criticism from animal advocates and Democrats alike, who argue that it was inhumane and excessive.
Noem, however, is defending her actions, acknowledging the public disapproval but standing by her choice. In a statement, she expressed her understanding of why some people are upset about the 20-year-old story but emphasized that her book is filled with honest stories of her life, including both good and bad days, challenges, painful decisions, and lessons learned. She hopes that readers will gain an understanding that she always strives to make the best decisions for the people in her life.
The incident involving Cricket occurred during a pheasant hunt when the dog attacked a family’s group of chickens. Noem claims that Cricket was acting like a “trained assassin” and was out of control. When she eventually gained control of the dog, Cricket turned on her and attempted to bite her. Noem describes Cricket as “untrainable” and felt that it was her responsibility to handle the situation herself.
Noem’s decision to shoot her dog was not easy for her, but she believed it was necessary. She led Cricket out into a pasture and down into a gravel pit before ending the dog’s life. In her book, she compares this difficult decision to a leader needing to make tough choices. She acknowledges that it was messy, ugly, and matter-of-fact but argues that it had to be done.
Interestingly, this was not the only animal Noem put down. She also reveals that she killed a goat her family owned, describing it as “nasty and mean.” Noem explains that the goat had been a problem for years, chasing her kids and exhibiting aggressive behavior. She claims that male goats urinate on their own heads and beards while in rut, further justifying her decision.
Noem recognizes that these stories may not sit well with everyone, stating that if she were a better politician, she might have chosen not to include them in her book. However, she believes it is essential to share these experiences to highlight the difficult decisions leaders face. She compares the responsibility of putting down animals to her roles as a parent, dog owner, and neighbor, emphasizing that she takes her responsibilities seriously.
Despite the criticism, Noem stands by her actions and points out that South Dakota law allows for dogs who attack and kill livestock to be put down. She argues that she followed the law and acted as a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor.
The controversy surrounding Kristi Noem’s decision to shoot her dog has sparked a heated debate among animal advocates, Democrats, and the general public. While some argue that her actions were inhumane and excessive, Noem defends her choices, emphasizing her commitment to making tough decisions as a leader. As her book is set to be released next week, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact her political career.
