Likely Republican VP Kristi Noem Openly Bragged About Killing Her Dog, And Yeah, It Hasn't Gone Down Well

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Warning: Depictions of violence against animals.

South Dakota governor and likely contender for Donald Trump's Vice President Kristi Noem has faced criticism for admitting she killed her family dog.

Closeup of Kristi Noem wearing a MAGA hat as she speaks at a podium
Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP via Getty Images

Yes, Noem somehow thought it would be a good idea to include the anecdote in her upcoming memoir, which has been obtained by the Guardian. She reportedly writes of shooting her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket, which is used as a metaphor for how she can handle the “difficult, messy, and ugly” parts of politics.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog sitting in a field with scattered flowers
Bigandt_photography / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Poor Cricket's crimes? Going "out of her mind with excitement, chasing all those birds, and having the time of her life" during a pheasant hunt. Noem subsequently tried to call Cricket and use an electric collar, but neither worked. On the way home, Cricket escaped from Noem's truck and proceeded to kill a local family's chickens.

Closeup of Kristi Noem standing at a podium
Brandon Bell / Getty Images

“I hated that dog,” Noem reportedly wrote, calling the dog that was not yet an adult "untrainable," "dangerous to anyone she came in contact with," and "less than worthless…as a hunting dog." She then shot Cricket at a gravel pit. Her daughter was apparently later confused as to the whereabouts of the dog.

Kristi Noem speaking with Donald Trump at a public event

But that's not all! Noem also reportedly wrote of trying to kill a “nasty and mean” goat in the same way, only for the goat to survive the initial gunshot (alas, the goat did not survive the second).

Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, and Kristi Noem sitting at a conference table
Mark Wilson / Getty Images

After the Guardian published its excerpt, Noem added that she "just had to put down three horses a few weeks ago."

The Guardian / Via Twitter: @KristiNoem

The Democratic National Committee called the story “truly disturbing and horrifying" and wrote, "Our message is plain and simple. If you want elected officials who don’t brag about brutally killing their pets as part of their self-promotional book tour, then listen to our owners — and vote Democrat.” Biden's campaign team also posted a picture of both the President and Vice President with their dogs.

Biden-Harris HQ / Via Twitter: @BidenHQ

Even conservatives criticized Noem for the admission. On the platform formerly known as Twitter, Meghan McCain called the admission "obviously cruel and insane."

Twitter: @MeghanMcCain

Noem then responded to the "upset" people by doubling down, writing on social media, "The fact is, South Dakota law states that dogs who attack and kill livestock can be put down. Given that Cricket had shown aggressive behavior toward people by biting them, I decided what I did. Whether running the ranch or in politics, I have never passed on my responsibilities to anyone else to handle. Even if it’s hard and painful. I followed the law and was being a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor."

Twitter: @KristiNoem

Noem is correct about the South Dakota law.

Some have subsequently guessed that the scandal has effectively ruined Noem's chances of becoming VP. Now, if only there was a way to stop a rapist from becoming president...