Federal Judge Blocked Euthanasia of Austin Dog Major

A federal judge has extended an order preventing the city from euthanizing a dog currently held in an Austin shelter.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Dogs

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized metal fence corner against a building facade, evoking institutional legal tension. — A federal judge has extended an order to halt the euthanasia of Major, an Austin-based dog, as the court reviews a rehabilitation request. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A federal judge extended an order preventing the euthanasia of Major, a 65-pound Belgian Malinois held in isolation at an Austin animal shelter. The court is currently weighing a request for an independent evaluation to determine if the dog can be rehabilitated.

Why it matters

The case highlights the legal tension between municipal public safety protocols and the efforts of owners to avoid euthanasia for pets involved in biting incidents. The owner claims the animal is a service dog and argues that the city did not adequately explore alternatives to putting the dog down.

Major, a 65-pound Belgian Malinois, has been held in isolation at the Austin animal shelter for more than 545 days. A public petition advocating for the dog's release has collected more than 50,000 signatures.

The players

Major

He is a 65-pound Belgian Malinois currently held at an Austin animal shelter.

Shane Lilly

He is the owner of the dog who filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Austin and shelter employees.

David Alan Ezra

He is the federal judge presiding over the lawsuit regarding the dog's future.

The details

Major has been in city custody since he bit a woman on March 31, 2025, following an incident where the dog was struck by a car. Shane Lilly, the owner, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and three shelter employees seeking unspecified damages.

March 31, 2025: Major bit a woman after being struck by a car in Montopolis.
September 29, 2026: The federal judge held a hearing regarding the dog's case.
October 9, 2026: The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the independent evaluation request.

Culture Shift

The case tests the application of the Texas Health and Safety Code provisions on dangerous dogs, similar to how other municipal disputes over animal control arise. This dispute marks a departure from typical local proceedings by moving the decision to federal court.

The ongoing litigation could set a precedent for how municipal shelters in the area handle dogs deemed a threat to public safety. Residents following the case may see continued security and operational adjustments at the Austin animal shelter until the legal process concludes.

The takeaway

This case underscores the intense public interest surrounding animal welfare and the procedural hurdles of federal litigation. Dog owners should remain aware of local dangerous dog ordinances and the documentation required to establish a pet as a service animal.