In a recent revelation, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has stirred up significant controversy after defending her decision to kill a family dog and goat on her farm. Noem's account of these actions is set to be published in her upcoming book, titled "No Going Back."

Noem took to Twitter to address the mounting criticism, expressing her understanding of why some people are upset about the 20-year-old story involving a working dog named Cricket. She defended her forthcoming book as an honest portrayal of her life, encompassing both good and bad days, along with the challenges, painful decisions, and lessons she has learned along the way. The book is scheduled for release in May 2022.

The Guardian obtained an early copy of Noem's book and reported that she recounted the story of Cricket, a 14-month-old wire-haired pointer. According to Noem, the dog ruined a pheasant hunt and went on to kill a neighbor's chickens, which sparked her frustration. In her book, she described Cricket as "untrainable," "dangerous," and "less than worthless" as a hunting dog. Noem admitted that she made the difficult decision to put Cricket down by taking her to a gravel pit.

Interestingly, Noem continued with her account, revealing that she also chose to kill an unruly, uncastrated goat in a similar fashion. This second killing required two shots, and Noem's daughter, Kennedy, only discovered the absence of the animals upon returning home from school.

The shocking revelation has led to widespread disbelief and raised questions about Noem's suitability for national office, particularly as a potential running mate for Donald Trump. Critics argue that the description of such actions in her book demonstrates a lack of compassion and raises concerns about her judgment.

The controversy also drew the ire of animal rights groups, who strongly condemned Noem's actions. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, stated that there is no valid excuse for shooting a dog for typical puppy behavior. Pacelle emphasized that alternative solutions, such as seeking assistance from family members or neighbors, or surrendering the dog to a more caring family or shelter, should have been explored.

In response to the mounting criticism, concerns, and questions raised by the public, a South Dakotan citizen has written to the police, urging them to investigate the incident based on legal and ethical grounds. The high-profile nature of the incident has raised significant concerns surrounding animal welfare.

Noem defended her actions, stating that South Dakota law permits dogs that attack and kill livestock to be put down. She argued that Cricket's aggressive behavior towards people, including biting, led her to make the decision she did. It is worth noting that according to South Dakota legislation, livestock is defined as cattle, sheep, horses, mules, swine, goats, and buffalo.

The governor's recent social media post did not address the killing of the goat, leaving some questions unanswered. As the controversy continues to unfold, public opinion regarding Noem's decision-making and her potential for higher office remains divided.

The spokesperson for Noem has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the absence of chickens in the state's definition of livestock, further fueling the ongoing debate surrounding the incident.

Governor Noem's forthcoming book is set to delve into various aspects of her life, but it is clear that her account of the killing of the family dog and goat has ignited fierce debate and intensified scrutiny on her leadership and suitability for a national role.