Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has sparked controversy after revealing in her upcoming memoir that she shot and killed her own dog, a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket. Noem detailed the harrowing incident, explaining that Cricket had an untrainable and aggressive nature, which led to a tragic encounter with a local family’s chickens.
After Cricket attacked and killed some of the chickens, Noem attempted to control the situation but was ultimately forced to make the difficult decision to put the dog down. She recounted how she took Cricket to a gravel pit and shot her, emphasizing that it was a necessary but heartbreaking act.
This revelation has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media, with many condemning Noem for her actions. However, the governor remains unapologetic, stating that tough decisions like this are a part of farm life. She even shared a tweet defending her choice and encouraging those interested in more “wild stories” to read her book.
Despite the backlash, Noem’s supporters continue to stand by her, with some even sharing photos of their own dogs in solidarity with Cricket. The controversy surrounding this incident has raised questions about the governor’s judgment and may impact her political future, especially as speculation grows about her potential role in Donald Trump’s administration. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear – this story has certainly struck a nerve with the public.