AUGUSTA — Whatever his faults, Gov. Paul LePage clearly has a soft spot for dogs.

LePage announced a pardon Thursday for a husky named Dakota that had been sentenced to die by an Augusta court for showing aggressive behavior that included killing a smaller dog.

LePage said, though, that Dakota was getting a bum rap.

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

A local Humane Society board member told LePage about the case and the governor investigated it.

According to his office, Dakota’s misbehavior occurred while the dog was in the possession of a previous owner who had since dropped off the dog at the Humane Society as a stray.

Apparently a model resident at the shelter, Dakota got adopted, its new owner unaware of the court proceeding that ultimately ruled the dog should be euthanized.

A hearing on the dog’s case is expected to take place Friday in Augusta District Court.