Judge Halted Euthanasia for Austin Shelter Dog
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the city from euthanizing Major, a 65-pound Belgian Malinois, pending an independent assessment.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Dogs
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A federal judge has extended an order preventing the euthanasia of Major, a Belgian Malinois that has been kept in isolation at an Austin animal shelter for over 545 days. The ruling comes amid an ongoing federal lawsuit filed by the owner against the city and three shelter employees.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal tension between public safety protocols and the advocacy for alternative rehabilitation for animals involved in biting incidents. The owner claims the city failed to consider options other than euthanasia after the dog bit a woman following a vehicle accident.
Major has spent 545 days in shelter isolation following a biting incident on March 31, 2025. A public petition for his release has garnered over 50,000 signatures.
The players
Major
A 65-pound Belgian Malinois currently held in isolation at the Austin animal shelter.
David Alan Ezra
The federal judge presiding over the case and determining the next steps for the animal.
Shane Lilly
The owner who filed the federal lawsuit against the city and its shelter staff.
The details
After Major was struck by a car in Montopolis, the dog bit a woman, leading the city to obtain a municipal court order for euthanasia based on public safety concerns. The owner, Shane Lilly, filed a federal lawsuit alleging the dog is a service animal and that the city disregarded alternatives to euthanasia. The court is now determining whether an independent third party should assess the 65-pound dog to see if rehabilitation is possible.
Timeline
March 31, 2025: The biting incident occurred after the dog was struck by a car.
September 29, 2026: A federal judge held a hearing on the case.
October 9, 2026: The judge will issue a ruling on the evaluation request.
The Home Front
This case sits at the center of a growing conflict between municipal animal control policies and animal advocacy groups. It marks a departure from standard shelter protocols by inviting federal judicial oversight into a local safety decision.
Pet owners should ensure their animals are microchipped and properly secured to prevent dangerous encounters in public spaces. Review your local city ordinances regarding animal control and biting incident procedures to understand the legal standards in your community.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder to maintain strict control of pets in public and to keep comprehensive training records on file. Owners of high-energy breeds should consult with a professional trainer to establish a documented behavioral history for their animals.
What happens next
Judge David Alan Ezra is scheduled to issue a ruling on the independent evaluation request on October 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on responsible pet ownership and local shelter guidelines, visit Dogs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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