Federal Judge Blocked Euthanasia of Shelter Dog
A judge will decide within 10 days if an independent evaluator can assess Major, a Belgian Malinois in shelter isolation.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Should cities prioritize public safety over pet ownership rights when dogs cause injury in your area?
A federal judge has extended an order preventing the city from euthanizing Major, a 65-pound Belgian Malinois currently held at the Austin animal shelter. The move keeps the dog alive as the court reviews a request for an independent evaluation regarding his potential rehabilitation.
Why it matters
The case pits public safety concerns cited by city officials against claims by the owner that the dog is a service animal. It remains an open question whether the dog can be safely rehomed or if the city's mandate for euthanasia will ultimately proceed.
Major has spent more than 545 days in isolation at the Austin animal shelter following a biting incident. More than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling for the dog's release.
The players
Major
The 65-pound Belgian Malinois who is the subject of the ongoing federal legal battle.
David Alan Ezra
The federal judge presiding over the case who has extended the stay of execution.
Shane Lilly
The owner who filed a federal lawsuit against the city and shelter employees.
The details
The city previously obtained a municipal court order to euthanize Major, a decision triggered after the dog bit a woman in Montopolis on March 31, 2025. Shane Lilly filed a federal lawsuit against the city and three shelter employees, arguing that the city failed to consider alternatives to euthanasia. Judge David Alan Ezra is now weighing a request for a third-party assessment to determine if the dog can be rehabilitated, with a ruling expected in the coming days.
Timeline
March 31, 2025: Major bit a woman in Montopolis after being struck by a car.
September 29, 2026: A federal judge held a hearing regarding the lawsuit and euthanasia order.
October 9, 2026: The court is expected to issue a ruling on the requested independent evaluation.
The Texas Context
The city's insistence on euthanizing Major follows a period of heightened concern regarding dangerous dogs, including a fatal dog mauling in San Antonio that recently shaped state policy discussions. This case marks a high-profile test of whether federal courts will override municipal animal control decisions.
Residents should watch for the upcoming court decision, which will determine if the dog remains at the city facility or moves to a third-party evaluator. The outcome of this federal case may influence how the city handles future animal safety and euthanasia protocols.
The takeaway
The court's upcoming October 9 decision will be the deciding factor for the dog's immediate future. Residents interested in the case should monitor for the release of the judge's ruling regarding the independent evaluation request.
What happens next
Judge David Alan Ezra is scheduled to issue a ruling on the independent evaluation request by October 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how the city manages pet populations and animal safety, visit our Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Live Poll
Should cities prioritize public safety over pet ownership rights when dogs cause injury in your area?
