A bipartisan trio in the House forms the ‘Dog Lovers Caucus’ in response to the Kristi Noem incident

Three House members are launching a new caucus dedicated to their “shared love of dogs” in response to “recent dog-related events,” a hint at the revelation that Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) killed her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket.

Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Susan Wild (D-PA) announced the formation of the Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus, which will be an “informal, bipartisan group” dedicated to loving dogs for the “companionship, friendship, family, and health benefits” that they provide.

The caucus plans to hold events on Capitol Hill for fellow House members and staff, according to a press release sent Thursday.

“Dogs are the only thing on earth that loves you more than they love themselves,” Moskowitz said in a statement. “Their joy to live brings together Americans from all walks of life and can help nourish bipartisanship in Congress.”

Though Noem is not named in the release, Moskowitz hints at the news cycle that has focused on excerpts from Noem’s new book, No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward. In the book, she justified killing Cricket after the puppy attacked a local family’s chickens during a pheasant hunt. She led Cricket to a gravel pit and shot it — adding context that she “hated that dog.”

The story gained nationwide attention, with both Democrats and Republicans condemning Noem’s actions and strategists arguing it may have hurt her chances at becoming former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

“Given recent dog-related news, it’s evident that both sides of the aisle reject animal cruelty and support protecting man’s best friend,” Moskowitz said.

Mace said in a statement that the caucus will have a legislative purpose as well as a place to celebrate dogs as “beloved companions.”

“We started this caucus to champion legislation that protects the rights and well-being of dogs, ensuring they receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve,” Mace said.

Wild said in a time of polarization and partisanship, “I’m proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and commit to working on behalf of our pets, who give us so much joy and comfort every day.”

Other congressional lawmakers have responded to Noem’s story. Former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who entered the House with Noem in 2010, said in a post to X that the situation shed light on how “good people get destroyed by fame and MAGA.”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), who faced scrutiny for his treatment of pets during his 2012 presidential campaign, told the HuffPost, “I didn’t eat my dog. I didn’t shoot my dog. I loved my dog, and my dog loved me.”

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Other members have pushed back against the idea that Noem’s actions were a political disaster. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) told Politico that “life is a little different in rural America” and the South Dakota governor “handled that with as much humanity for the animal as was needed.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to Noem for comment.