SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A story from Governor Kristi Noem’s upcoming book is lighting up social media.
In the book No Going Back, obtained by The Guardian, Noem describes shooting and killing her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer for bad behavior.
The governor says the dog Cricket ruined a hunting trip, attacked someone’s chickens, and snapped at her when she grabbed the dog.
James Oppenheimer is the executive director of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
After the news of Governor Noem’s dog Cricket, the shelter leader has been getting interview requests from national media about the incident.
“What happened with Cricket is not unusual in South Dakota or in the Midwest. People do put dogs down. People do shoot dogs for different behavior issues. That’s an unfortunate fact. I think nationally, you don’t hear about it that much, and I think what has created the attention is generally when it happens people don’t talk about it,” Oppenheimer said.
Oppenheimer stopped short of saying whether killing Cricket was the right or wrong call.
“We’d like to have seen her give the animal a second chance, however, without knowing the specific circumstances we don’t know,” Oppenheimer said.
But he recommends pet owners look into training if their dogs are having behavior issues.
“We have so many resources from dog trainers to behavior specialists that could help you with that dog,” Oppenheimer said.
And if the dog is not a good fit for your home, reach out to your local animal shelter.
“If the dog doesn’t suit your lifestyle. If the dog is really rambunctious or maybe has nipped your child, it’s really not suited to your lifestyle, bring it to us and give us a chance to potentially find a better home for it or a more suitable home for it,” Oppenheimer said.
In a post on Sunday, the governor said she understands why people are upset about the story of Cricket, but she says she was being responsible.
Noem also defended the killing by citing state law.
KELOLAND News looked into the statute in question, which states that anyone can kill a dog that is found chasing, worrying, injuring, or killing poultry or domestic animals.
We reached out to Noem’s office with questions about the incident and received a response directing us to Noem’s X posts promoting her book.
