Pierre, South Dakota – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing backlash after details emerged from her upcoming book where she described killing a dog and goat on her family farm. In an excerpt obtained by The Guardian, Noem justified killing her dog Cricket, labeling it as “untrainable” and “dangerous.” Noem also mentioned that the dog was not suitable as a hunting companion.
The South Dakota governor expressed her dislike for the dog, stating that she tried to train Cricket with an electronic collar, but ultimately had to resort to shooting the dog in a gravel pit. Noem cited an incident where the dog attacked a neighbor’s chickens and bit her as the reason for putting it down.
In addition to the dog, Noem also shot a goat, describing it as “nasty and mean” with a foul smell. The governor claimed the goat had been aggressive towards her children. Despite facing criticism for her actions, Noem defended her decision, stating that such tough choices are common on a farm.
Noem, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been rumored to be on his list of potential running mates. During a recent conference, she addressed those who challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, suggesting they did so for personal gain. Noem’s popularity among conservatives was evident in a poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where she tied for first choice as Trump’s running mate.
As speculation continues about her political future, Noem remains tight-lipped about certain controversial topics, such as her stance on certifying the 2020 election results. Despite the criticism surrounding her book, Noem remains unapologetic, emphasizing the realities of farm life and the difficult decisions that come with it.
In a media post, Noem shared a link to her book, encouraging readers to discover more unconventional stories. With her unwavering support for Trump and her strong conservative stance, Noem continues to be a divisive figure in American politics.