Kristi Noem (R), who has been under the microscope this week for an anecdote about killing her dog, defended her actions Wednesday, saying she shot the “dangerous” pup to protect her children.

The three-year-old pit bull/Lab mix protected his owner's one-year-old child ... Saves 2 Dogs and a Cat Found Wandering the Streets Together in a Real-Life Homeward Bound Rescue 'Resilient' Dog ...

The child was brought to a fire station and transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.