In an upcoming memoir set to be published next month, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem revealed that she had shot and killed one of her dogs and a male goat. The admissions have sparked controversy and raised questions about the governor's decision-making.

According to an advance copy of the memoir obtained by The Guardian, Noem detailed the killings as examples of her willingness to do "difficult, messy and ugly" things when necessary. The 52-year-old Republican described her dog, Cricket, as having an "aggressive personality" that made her "untrainable." Cricket's behavior reportedly disrupted a hunting trip when she attacked chickens and even attempted to bite Noem.

Feeling that Cricket posed a danger to anyone she came into contact with, Noem made the difficult decision to put her down. Taking Cricket to a gravel pit, Noem used her gun to end the dog's life. The exact date of Cricket's death was not mentioned in the report.

In addition to Cricket, Noem also revealed that she shot a male goat that she described as "nasty and mean." The goat had not been castrated and exhibited behavior that was detrimental to Noem's children, chasing them and knocking them down. Noem stated that the goat smelled "disgusting, musky, rancid."

The first shot at the goat was not fatal, as it jumped when Noem pulled the trigger. She retrieved another shell from her truck and then returned to the gravel pit to put the goat down for good. These killings were witnessed by a construction crew, further adding to the controversial nature of the incidents.

Noem addressed the report on Friday, defending her actions by stating that tough decisions like these happen frequently on a farm. She also mentioned that her family had recently had to put down three horses that had been in their family for 25 years.

The revelations in Noem's memoir have stirred debate, with some questioning her judgment and compassion towards animals. It remains to be seen how these admissions will impact her political career, particularly as she is speculated to be a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump.

"No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward," the memoir in which Noem discusses these incidents, is set to be published next month, promising to reveal more "real, honest, and politically incorrect stories" that will surely garner attention from the media and the public alike.