South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is facing backlash from politicians and dog experts after revealing in her new book that she killed a rambunctious puppy named Cricket. The story has sparked outrage on social media and raised questions about her viability as a potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Experts who work with hunting dogs like Noem’s have criticized her decision to kill the puppy, suggesting that she should have trained the dog or explored other options. Noem, however, has defended her actions, stating that Cricket had shown aggressive behavior by biting.
Critics, including Democrats and some conservatives, have condemned Noem’s actions, with some likening her to the villain Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians.” The disclosure of the incident has led to speculation about Noem’s political motivations, with some suggesting that she may have shared the story preemptively to address a potential vulnerability.
The response to Noem’s story has been swift, with many public figures sharing photos of themselves with their own dogs in contrast to Noem’s actions. President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign even joined the conversation, highlighting the importance of trust in political leaders.
While some have defended Noem’s decision as a tough but necessary choice, others have criticized her handling of the situation, suggesting that there were more humane solutions available. The controversy surrounding the incident has raised questions about Noem’s judgment and could impact her political future.