Maine Governor Pardons Dog From Death Row

AUGUSTA, ME — Maine Governor Paul LePage on Thursday pardoned a dog that was set to be euthanized for killing another dog. The husky named Dakota received the special reprieve after the Humane Society Waterville Area organization notified the governor of the case.

"As the President of the United States pardons a turkey every November, Governor Paul R. LePage today announced a pardon in an effort to shed light on the case of Dakota the Dog," LePage's office said in a statement Thursday.

Dakota killed a dog last year in Waterville after its owner allowed it to run loose, humane society officials said. That same owner also failed to "provide adequate oversight" of Dakota earlier this year when it got loose again and possibly acted aggressively toward several dogs, officials said. Dakota was recently placed with new owners after the previous one abandoned it.

"This dog was not placed with a responsible owner initially," Humane Society Waterville Area Director Lisa Smith wrote to LePage. "We have found her to be an excellent dog, extremely people friendly, and generally dog friendly ... (we) see no potential threats in this placement situation."

A recent court order called for Dakota to be destroyed. Smith asked LePage for help and he agreed to intervene. Smith said Dakota's new owners are model caretakers.

“I have reviewed the facts of this case and I believe the dog ought to be provided a full and free pardon,” LePage said in a statement.

A court hearing was scheduled for Friday in Augusta to determine if the dog will remain with its new owners.

Photo: Maine Governor Paul LePage. (Credit: maine.gov)