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Governor LePage Advocates for Life of Dakota the Dog

March 30, 2017

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 30, 2017
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – 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. The request issued on Thursday describes Dakota the Dog, was involved in a proceeding before the Augusta District Court, during which the dog was sentenced to death.

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

Governor LePage was made aware of this case, by a board member of the Humane Society Waterville Area. A letter to District Attorney Maeghan Maloney was provided to the Governor explaining the situation regarding Dakota the Dog, a huskie, who had been involved in alleged aggressive behavior with other dogs. The incident involved a former owner and Dakota was eventually dropped off at the Humane Society as a stray. According to the letter, Dakota was a model resident, extremely friendly, social with other dogs, and easy to handle. Animal Control determined Dakota could be placed up for adoption and was adopted shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, there was a court hearing related to Dakota and her former owner. The new owner who adopted Dakota was unaware of any such court proceeding. Subsequently, the court ordered the dog be euthanized based on incidents occurring when the dog was owned by its previous owner.

The letter indicated, “They have not been given due process. The new owners were not aware of the more recent court case, nor the date for it, and therefore were not involved with the proceedings.”

A court hearing concerning the fate of Dakota the Dog is expected to take place tomorrow in Augusta District Court.

Related Documents

Letter

Pardon

 

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