South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is standing by her decision to euthanize her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, two decades ago, citing the dog’s aggressive behavior as a threat to her children.
“We gave her a second chance,” Noem stated during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity.” “The day we had to put her down was the day she attacked our neighbor’s livestock, including me. It was a difficult choice.”
Noem explained that she had to prioritize the safety of her children and others over the dangerous animal. She emphasized, “I chose to protect my children.”
The governor, who has been considered a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, has faced criticism from both political parties following reports from The Guardian about her upcoming book. In the book, Noem reveals her dislike for the aggressive dog, which she claims disrupted a hunting trip and attacked her neighbor’s chickens. She defended her actions by referencing South Dakota law allowing dogs that harm livestock to be euthanized.
Noem attributed the backlash to “fake news” that mischaracterized the situation and omitted key details. She urged people to read her book to get a more accurate portrayal of the events, clarifying that Cricket was a working dog with dangerous tendencies, not a harmless puppy.
