Mitt Romney, the Republican senator from Utah, sparked a heated debate when he compared his past pet scandal to a more recent controversy involving South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. While Romney once faced backlash for transporting his dog in a kennel on his car roof during a trip, he pointedly noted, “I didn’t eat my dog. I didn’t shoot my dog. I loved my dog, and my dog loved me,” during remarks on Capitol Hill as reported by HuffPost.

This statement comes as Governor Noem faces scrutiny over revelations from her forthcoming book, “No Going Back,” in which she admits to shooting her 14-month-old hunting dog, Cricket, and an unnamed goat. According to The Guardian, which obtained a copy of the book, Noem’s actions have stirred controversy and may impact her potential candidacy as Donald Trump’s running mate.

Noem, who described the incidents as tough but necessary decisions typical of farm life, wrote, “I hated that dog,” explaining that Cricket had disrupted a hunt and killed a neighbor’s chickens. She recounted taking the dog and the goat to a gravel pit for euthanasia, with the goat being shot twice due to its uncastrated and aggressive nature.

Romney, a critic of Trump within the party and set to retire at year’s end, also took the opportunity to critique the former President’s selection criteria for a vice-presidential candidate, stating, “He has to look for someone smarter than him, [a] better speaker than him and, like him, does not get burdened with principles.”

Experts and a review of South Dakota law have suggested that Noem’s actions might not have been justifiable, potentially breaching several local laws. Additionally, Noem’s approach to pet management has drawn criticism beyond just the dog and goat, as she revealed having recently euthanized three family horses as well.

As the political and ethical implications of her actions continue to unfold, Noem defends her decisions, emphasizing their necessity in her view of rural responsibilities and political readiness. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the governor has yet to comment on the ongoing controversy.