Pardoned pooch ordered euthanized; further appeals expected
By Associated Press
Apr 11, 2017 2:05 PM CDT
FILE - In this March 30, 2017, file photo provided by the Waterville Humane Society, an Alaskan husky named Dakota, who killed a neighbor's pug last year, sits in Waterville, Maine. Maine’s conservation department is getting involved in the proposed pardoning of Dakota, saying the case could have implications...   (Associated Press)

WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) — A judge has ordered a dog to be euthanized despite a pardon issued by Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

The Alaskan husky named Dakota was originally ordered to be put down after getting loose and killing a neighbor's pug last year and later attacking a second dog.

On Tuesday, a judge declined a request to set aside the order to euthanize the dog, saying she didn't have leeway under state law.

The dog became a celebrity after being pardoned by the Republican governor on March 30. Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said the governor lacked authority to do so.

Dakota is currently under the care of the Waterville Area Humane Society. Further appeals are expected.