In recent writings, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recounted her decision to euthanize an aggressive puppy and a goat, emphasizing her willingness to do the "nasty work" herself. While the decision to euthanize an animal is sometimes necessary, Noem's account raises ethical concerns about her approach and the message it sends.
In her essay "Putting Cruelty First," Judith Shklar asserts that cruelty is the most severe violation of human dignity and that it should be placed at the top of the list of moral and political evils. She argued that cruelty "is made easier by hypocrisy and self-deception," and that true valor is generous, the opposite of cruelty, which stems from cowardice.
Noem's writing lacks the compassion and respect for animal life that one would expect from a leader. Her emphasis on doing the "nasty work" herself comes across as an attempt to project toughness, rather than a focus on minimizing animal suffering. The absence of any mention of consulting veterinarians or animal behaviorists before deciding to euthanize the puppy suggests a lack of due diligence in exploring alternative options, such as professional training or rehoming.
Furthermore, the way Noem frames her actions sends a disturbing message to her children and others who look up to her. By presenting the euthanasia of the puppy and goat as a matter-of-fact necessity, without acknowledging the gravity of taking an animal's life, she risks normalizing cruelty and teaching that violence is an acceptable solution to problems.
As Shklar points out, cruelty is often enabled by hypocrisy and self-deception. In Noem's case, her portrayal of herself as a decisive leader willing to make tough choices may serve as a smokescreen for a lack of empathy and a disregard for the value of animal life. It's crucial for leaders to model compassion, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to non-violence whenever possible.
The implied message that "stepping out of line" could lead to dire consequences is particularly troubling. Children should be taught to express themselves, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of extreme punishment. Noem's words could be interpreted as a warning that non-conformity or misbehavior will be met with swift and severe retribution, stifling personal growth and fostering a culture of fear.
While the decision to euthanize an animal is sometimes unavoidable, Kristi Noem's account of her actions raises red flags about her approach to animal welfare and the values she embodies as a leader. Her emphasis on doing the ‘wetwork’ and her lack of expressed compassion suggest a troubling acceptance of cruelty, which, as Judith Shklar argues, is the antithesis of true valor. (Although it would look great on a job application for a hitman) As a society, we must demand that our leaders exemplify kindness, empathy, and a commitment to minimizing suffering, both human and animal
.