Trigger Warning: Animal Cruelty Puppy Murder: Noem's Sick Killing Spree

It might be the most controversial dog death since Old Yeller, but this time, it's not a rabid stray—it's Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's "aggressive" 14-month-old wirehaired pointer, Cricket. In an excerpt from her upcoming book, "No Going Back," scheduled for release on May 7, Noem describes how she took matters into her own hands and fatally shot her untrainable, chicken-killing hunting dog.

This isn't the first time a political candidate has come under fire for their treatment of dogs. Mitt Romney, during his 2012 presidential run, was criticized for strapping his dog, Seamus, to the roof of his car on a family road trip.

Noem's story has sparked outrage from both liberals and conservatives. While some may rush to judgment, legal experts weighed in on South Dakota's complex web of laws, offering a potential explanation for her actions.

The Legal Perspective

David Favre, a law professor at Michigan State University, told PolitiFact that South Dakota law 40-34-1 from the 1930s allows farmers to protect valuable livestock by killing any dog found chasing or killing poultry. However, Favre doesn't believe this statute applies to Noem's case. Notably, he adds that shooting your own dog is likely not illegal in the state.

Conley Wouters, an assistant law professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, takes a different stance. He interprets 40-34-1 as permitting the killing of a dog that has injured or killed another's poultry or livestock, which was the case with Cricket and the family's chickens. Wouters emphasizes that such laws are common in farming and ranching states, where they tend to favor livestock owners.

Despite the legal justifications, the question of animal cruelty looms. Fortunately, anti-cruelty provisions exist to ensure humane treatment. Experts agreed that Noem likely didn't violate these laws either, as South Dakota law 40-1-17 (2) permits the humane killing of animals. James Oppenheimer, the executive director of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, clarified that a single gunshot to the head, if executed properly, is a legal method in the state.

Nevertheless, Oppenheimer wished Noem had explored other options. Cricket's behavior, while unacceptable, is not uncommon for a young hunting dog.

Political Fallout

Noem, a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, is no stranger to controversy. Her decision to share this story in her book has sparked fury across political and ideological lines. "My blood is boiling," tweeted Catturd, a popular conservative account. Even "The View" host Whoopi Goldberg agreed, suggesting that if you can't train a dog, you should "give it back."

Acknowledging the backlash, Noem defended her actions in a tweet on April 26, stating that tough decisions like these are common on farms, and sharing a recent incident where they had to put down three horses. Two days later, she tweeted again, calling it an old story and citing South Dakota law 40-34.

The South Dakota Attorney General's office confirmed that the incident occurred beyond the seven-year statute of limitations, closing the door on any potential legal consequences.

While the legal and ethical debates rage on, one thing is clear: Cricket's tragic end has touched a nerve in our society, revealing the deep emotional ties we form with our animal companions and the complexities that arise when those bonds are severed.