The White House expressed concern over South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s comments suggesting that President Joe Biden’s dog should suffer the same fate as her own dog, Cricket, which she admitted to shooting. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Noem’s comments disturbing and absurd, emphasizing that the country loves dogs and it is troubling to hear a leader talk about killing them. Noem’s admission in her forthcoming memoir has led to bipartisan backlash against her, as she once considered running for Vice President under former President Donald Trump in the next election.
Noem’s suggestion that Commander, Biden’s dog, should be killed stems from reports of multiple biting incidents involving the German shepherd and Secret Service personnel. In her book, Noem outlined a plan to remove Commander from the White House grounds if she were to become president in 2025. The issue of whether Commander should be euthanized was raised in a recent interview, with Noem questioning how many people needed to be attacked before a decision was made about the dog’s fate. Internal documents revealed that Commander’s biting incidents were a serious workplace issue for White House staff, leading to changes in operational tactics to avoid injuries.
Despite efforts to train, leash, and consult with veterinarians and behaviorists, Commander proved to be too much for the White House environment, leading to his relocation to Delaware with Biden family members. The safety and well-being of those working at the White House were emphasized in a statement by the first lady’s communications director, Elizabeth Alexander. The Bidens’ other dog, Major, had also been sent away after causing an injury to a Secret Service agent. The family was reportedly saddened and President Biden made light of the situation at a recent fundraiser, acknowledging the challenges of owning dogs in Washington.
The incident involving Commander highlights the complexities of managing pets in high-profile settings like the White House. The decision to relocate Commander was made in the best interest of everyone’s safety and well-being, despite efforts to address the behavioral issues through training and consultation. Noem’s controversial comments sparked debate and raised questions about the responsibility of pet ownership and the importance of addressing behavioral issues in animals. The government’s handling of the situation reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of White House staff and the animals involved, while also recognizing the challenges that can arise when pets are placed in high-stress environments.
