In a newly released book, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has stirred controversy by describing her decision to shoot a dog and a goat on her farm. Noem's book, "No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward," includes a detailed account of the events.

The dog at the center of the story, Cricket, was a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer. Noem contends that Cricket was "extremely dangerous" and had exhibited aggressive behavior. She claims that the dog ruined a pheasant hunt and attacked her neighbor's chickens. According to Noem, Cricket even attempted to bite her, leading her to believe that putting the dog down was necessary.

The governor also took the controversial decision to shoot an unnamed, un-castrated male goat on her property. Noem described the goat as "nasty and mean," stating that it had a habit of chasing her children and spoiling their clothes. She justified her actions by asserting that the goat posed a threat.

Noem's claims in her book received widespread attention after being reported by The Guardian. However, the governor dismissed the reports as "fake news," accusing them of selectively omitting important details. Noem alleges that the accounts misrepresented the facts of the story and misconstrued her intentions.

During an interview with Fox News, Noem reiterated her defense, stating that the dog and goat were both dangerous and had demonstrated behaviors that warranted their euthanization. She maintained that her willingness to make difficult decisions was illustrated by her actions in politics and on her farm.

The controversy surrounding Noem's book has garnered criticism, with some questioning the governor's adherence to state law. A review of South Dakota's legislation suggests that Noem may have potentially violated the law by failing to control Cricket during the chicken attack and by shooting the dog on her property.

Noem's views on animal welfare have come under scrutiny in the past. She previously shared pictures of three elderly horses being euthanized on her farm, asserting that it was a difficult but necessary decision.

The governor's statements have sparked a debate about responsible pet ownership, the ethics of euthanizing animals, and the bounds of acceptable behavior on a farm. Noem stands firm in her belief that her actions were justified and necessary for ensuring the safety of her family and their surroundings.

As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the public will perceive Noem's controversial account of shooting Cricket the dog and the unnamed goat. With her book set to be published next week, readers will have an opportunity to weigh the governor's defense against the criticism and decide for themselves.