Politicians and dog experts are criticizing South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem after she wrote in a new book about killing a rambunctious puppy. The story — and the vilification she received on social media — has some wondering whether she’s still a viable potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Experts who work with hunting dogs like Noem’s said she should have trained — not killed — the pup, or found other options if the dog was out of control.
Noem has tried to reframe the story from two decades ago as an example of her willingness to make tough decisions. She wrote on social media that the 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket had shown aggressive behavior by biting.
“As I explained in the book, it wasn’t easy,” she said on X. “But often the easy way isn’t the right way.”
Still, Democrats and even some conservatives have been critical.
So, I’ve got a theory. She killed her pup not because it upset her by scattering the birds she hunted, but because it embarrassed her in front of the neighbors when it killed their chickens. Cricket wouldn’t listen to her and it made her feel publicly ineffectual and weak. Being made to feel that way absolutely enraged her.
She’s a massive POS and I really hope this ends her career.
This was precisely my take. This was narcissistic rage and she can’t even see it.
I don’t think it will. Conservatives are completely fine with killing dogs and cats at whim. The only reason they are backing off a bit here is because it was a puppy and they are having trouble making that look good. They will get over it quickly, though, as they don’t actually have anything against killing puppies.
This is all about appearing to take the high-road. In the future, when this is brought up, they will say she was a “strong leader” for doing what needed to be done. Defending her will be seen as a “bold stance” against the “woke PETA mob”.