The dog has faced a euthanization order since March, but the governor granted her a “full and free pardon.”

Meanwhile, as advocates and animal lovers across the country watch the case, the dog’s original owner says it’s ‘screwed up’ that Gov. LePage joked he should be euthanized.

The case is expected to go to the state’s highest court.

The Animal Welfare Program said it’s interested in the case because of its possible implications for animal welfare law ahead of a court hearing scheduled on Tuesday.

Route 137, also known as China Road, was shut down as crews extricated one driver, who was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to the hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life threatening.