In 2024, Kristi Noem, a prominent figure in contention to be Donald Trump’s running mate, has sparked controversy with revelations from her upcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” The book, set for release next month in the US, unveils a startling account of Noem’s decision to euthanize her dog, Cricket, along with an aggressive male goat.
In a candid narrative, Noem recounts her struggles with Cricket, a wirehair pointer, whom she acquired for hunting purposes. Despite attempts to train the dog, Cricket’s unruly behavior escalated during a pheasant hunt, culminating in a chaotic episode where she attacked and killed a neighbor’s chickens. Noem describes the dog as “untrainable” and “dangerous,” leading to her difficult decision to put Cricket down.
However, the shocking revelations don’t end there. Noem also details her decision to euthanize a male goat due to its aggressive nature and unpleasant odor, a process that did not go smoothly initially. The candid retelling of these events has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many expressing disgust and outrage, particularly among dog lovers and hunting enthusiasts.
Reactions to the news have ranged from condemnation to satire, with critics labeling Noem as “deliberately cruel” and “trash.” Despite the backlash, Noem remains unapologetic, citing the tough decisions that come with life on a farm.
In response to the controversy, Noem took to social media to defend her actions, highlighting the realities of farm life and the difficult choices that must be made. She also teased further controversial anecdotes in her book, promising readers more “real, honest, and politically incorrect stories.”
As the fallout from Noem’s revelations continues to unfold, the debate over her actions raises broader questions about animal welfare, ethical hunting practices, and the role of personal narrative in politics.