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COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) The Griggs County sheriff says a deputy is on paid administrative leave after shooting a dog he felt was threatening him earlier this week.

Sheriff Bob Hook says the state crime bureau is investigating the case.

Hook says Deputy John Tronset was off-duty but on-call when he shot a black Labrador retriever twice with his service handgun.

Hook said it happened Monday in the driveway of Tronset's home. He said Tronset told him he shot the dog at close range after it approached him in what he felt was a threatening manner.

The sheriff said the dog was treated for two .40-caliber gunshot wounds to the snout and mouth and is expected to fully recover. He said the dog was returned to the owners in Cooperstown.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-19-09 0938CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list