Sioux Falls, South Dakota – In a controversial move that has divided public opinion, potential Donald Trump Vice Presidential pick Kristi Noem recently admitted to shooting and killing a 14-month-old puppy on her ranch. The revelation sparked outrage, with Meghan McCain taking to Twitter to share her disapproval.

McCain, referencing her family’s ranch in Sedona, emphasized that no one has ever shot a dog for any reason on their property. She condemned the act, stating, “Killing and torturing animals is a trait of a serial killer.” Despite her initial strong stance, McCain later edited her tweet to remove the reference to serial killers, calling the incident “something out of a horror movie.”

Noem’s admission, detailed in an excerpt from her upcoming book, described how she had to put down her dog Cricket after it attacked a family’s flock of chickens. This revelation, along with her decision to also kill a goat, caused a significant backlash, with the hashtag #PuppyKiller trending on social media platforms.

In response to the criticism, Noem defended her actions, citing South Dakota law that allows the killing of dogs who attack and kill livestock. She emphasized the importance of being a responsible dog owner and parent, highlighting the challenges of making tough decisions.

The controversy surrounding Noem’s admission has raised questions about South Dakota’s statutes on killing dogs. Statute 40-34-1 permits the killing of any dog found chasing, worrying, injuring, or killing poultry or domestic animals outside the owner’s premises.

As the discussion continues to unfold, Noem is set to be interviewed on “Face the Nation” to promote her book and address the ongoing controversy. Despite the public outcry, she remains steadfast in her defense of her actions, portraying herself as a leader who is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.