South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem sparked controversy on Sunday when she suggested that President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, should face a fate similar to her own dog, Cricket, whom she admitted to shooting and killing in her upcoming book. Noem referenced the Commander’s history of attacking Secret Service personnel, questioning how many incidents were necessary before action was taken. Commander, a German shepherd, had been relocated from the White House due to biting incidents.
Noem’s memoir reportedly includes a passage where she envisions confronting Commander if she were to reach the White House, indicating that she would ensure the dog was not present. When asked if she meant Biden’s dog should be shot, Noem asserted that the president should be held accountable for such decisions. The Biden campaign and the White House did not immediately respond to these remarks.
Kristi Noem
In her defense, Noem reiterated her account of euthanizing her dog Cricket, which she described as “less than worthless” and “untrainable.” According to The Guardian, Cricket had a history of killing a neighbor’s chickens, prompting Noem’s drastic action. She further justified her decision by comparing it to a parent protecting their children from a dangerous animal, emphasizing the difficulty of the choice.
Critics questioned why Noem didn’t opt for rehoming or taking Cricket to a shelter instead of resorting to euthanasia. Noem explained that Cricket was a “working dog” with a troubled history, and she felt personally responsible for making the decision. Despite facing backlash, she stood by her choice, emphasizing Cricket’s behavioral issues and the necessity of taking action.
Noem’s remarks stirred debate about responsible pet ownership and the ethics of euthanizing animals with behavioral problems. The controversy surrounding her statements added fuel to ongoing discussions about her political aspirations and potential involvement in future national leadership roles.
