South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has come under scrutiny for actions described in her upcoming book, where she details the killing of a dog and a goat on her family farm. In an excerpt from the book, Noem explains that she made the decision to euthanize her dog, Cricket, due to its aggressive and untrainable behavior, which posed a danger to others. Noem recounts the difficult task of putting down the dog, stating that it was a necessary but unpleasant job.
Additionally, Noem describes shooting a goat on her farm, citing its aggressive behavior towards her children as the reason for the action. She emphasizes that such tough decisions are not uncommon on a farm and are part of responsible animal ownership.
In response to the backlash, Noem defended her actions as lawful, pointing to a South Dakota law that allows for the euthanization of dogs that attack and kill livestock. She reiterated her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities, whether in ranching or politics.
Despite the controversy, Noem remains a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and is considered a potential candidate for his running mate in the upcoming election. She has garnered support from conservative circles, as evidenced by her strong showing in a recent poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
As speculation continues regarding her political future, Noem has refrained from commenting on certain contentious issues, such as the certification of the 2020 election results. Her unwavering support for Trump and her track record as a conservative leader have solidified her position as a key figure in Republican politics.