Judge Blocks Euthanasia of Austin Service Dog Major
A federal court ordered the release of a Belgian Malinois from kennel isolation to undergo professional rehabilitation.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Dogs
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A federal judge has halted the planned euthanasia of Major, a 3-year-old service dog belonging to an Austin resident. The dog must now be transferred to a facility for behavioral evaluation following a long-standing legal dispute.
Why it matters
The case centers on an Americans with Disabilities Act claim filed by the owner, who relies on the dog to manage seizures. City officials had sought to euthanize the animal, citing public safety concerns following a biting incident.
The 65-pound Belgian Malinois must undergo at least 30 days of decompression in a secure enclosure outside Austin. The owner is required to secure a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance for the dog.
The players
David Alan Ezra
He is a United States District Judge who issued the ruling to spare the service dog.
Shane Lilly
He is a 57-year-old man who relies on the service dog to manage seizures caused by a traumatic brain injury.
Major
He is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois service dog weighing 65 pounds.
The details
After being struck by a truck in March 2025, the dog bit a woman who attempted to help him, leading to his prolonged detention by city authorities. Judge David Alan Ezra ordered that only the owner and a behavioral veterinarian may interact with the dog during his upcoming evaluation.
Timeline
March 31, 2025: The dog was struck by a truck and bit a woman.
September 2026: Shane Lilly filed a federal lawsuit regarding the dog.
September 29, 2026: Judge Ezra agreed to consider the case.
October 26, 2026: Judge Ezra ruled against the euthanasia of the dog.
Culture Shift
This case reflects an increasing societal emphasis on the legal protections afforded to service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It highlights a tension between municipal public safety protocols and the individual rights of owners who depend on working animals.
Residents in Austin should note that this ruling establishes a specific precedent for how service animals involved in bite incidents are handled by city authorities. Owners of service animals must ensure they maintain required liability insurance to comply with potential court-mandated safety stipulations.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical importance of keeping documentation and liability insurance current for any service animal. Owners should be aware that even in emergency situations, municipal safety laws remain a significant factor in pet custody and management.
What happens next
Austin city officials must complete the release of the dog to a rescue organization within 30 days of the October 26, 2026, ruling.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet regulations and standards on the Austin Dogs section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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