Key Highlights
- Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has a history of animal cruelty, including shooting her puppy Cricket.
- A bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals (BOWOW) is being amended by Republicans to include deportation for immigrants who harm law enforcement animals.
- Democrats are using Noem’s past as an example in the debate over animal protection laws, highlighting her admission to shooting Cricket in her memoir “No Going Back.”
Background on Kristi Noem and Animal Cruelty Allegations
Kristi Noem, the current Secretary of Homeland Security, has faced backlash for a history of animal cruelty. In 2017, she wrote about shooting her 14-month-old puppy Cricket in her memoir “No Going Back,” stating that the female dog had an “aggressive personality.”
Noem led Cricket to a gravel pit and shot her with a gun, claiming it was necessary as the untrainable dog had attacked chickens on their way home from a pheasant hunt. The incident has resurfaced in political debates surrounding animal protection laws.
Amendments to BOWOW Act
The House Judiciary Committee is currently discussing amendments to the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals (BOWOW). Republicans, led by Rep. Tom McClintock, propose adding a clause that would allow for deportation of immigrants who harm law enforcement animals.
According to McClintock, the simple bill aims to disqualify any foreign national from entering the country again if they were convicted or admitted to harming such an animal.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) read aloud from Noem’s memoir during a Judiciary Committee meeting, drawing attention to her admission of shooting Cricket. He referenced the incident as part of his argument against Noem’s department amending the bill.
Democratic Response and Political Posturing
In response to Republican efforts, Democrats have introduced their own amendments. Rep. Dan Goldman suggested renaming the BOWOW Act to the Kristi Noem Canine Protection Act, emphasizing that it reflects “the only documented case of extreme canine violence connected to top members of the GOP.”
Goldman and Moskowitz argued that the Secretary of Homeland Security should not be involved in decisions regarding animal welfare. They pointed out the irony of Noem’s history with Cricket being used as a counterpoint to her department’s proposed amendments.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The debate over animal protection laws, particularly those involving law enforcement animals, highlights the tension between political figures’ personal histories and their legislative roles. While Noem maintains she loves animals, her past actions have become a focal point in discussions about immigration policies.
As the BOWOW Act continues to be discussed, it remains unclear how these proposed amendments will affect future legislation on animal welfare within law enforcement contexts. The incident with Cricket has reignited conversations around accountability and transparency among political leaders.
The Daily Beast has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Noem referenced the shooting during an episode of MAGA podcast Pod Force One, stating that while she disclosed it in her memoir to be transparent, she believes the situation was weaponized against her in campaigns.
