Judge Blocks Euthanasia of Service Dog Major
The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois will undergo a 30-day behavioral evaluation following a federal court order.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Should local governments be allowed to euthanize animals that have bitten people?
A federal judge has halted the planned euthanasia of Major, a 3-year-old service dog, and ordered the city to release him to a rescue organization. The decision follows a lengthy legal battle over the dog, who bit a person while injured in 2025 and subsequently spent 575 days in kennel isolation.
Why it matters
The ruling centers on the Americans with Disabilities Act, balancing public safety concerns against the rights of owners who rely on service animals for medical conditions like traumatic brain injury. City officials previously authorized euthanasia due to safety risks, but the court intervention marks a significant shift in the animal's future.
Major, a 65-pound Belgian Malinois, spent 575 days in kennel isolation following a 2025 incident. The court now requires a 30-day decompression period and $100,000 in liability insurance for the owner.
The players
Major
A 3-year-old Belgian Malinois service dog trained to help manage seizures from a traumatic brain injury.
Shane Lilly
The 57-year-old owner of Major who filed a federal lawsuit challenging the city's decision.
David Alan Ezra
The US District Judge who issued the order to halt the euthanasia of the service dog.
The details
US District Judge David Alan Ezra issued the order after owner Shane Lilly sued the city, arguing the handling of the dog violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Major must be moved to a secure enclosure outside Austin for at least 30 days of decompression and assessment. During this time, only Lilly and a designated behavioral veterinarian are permitted to interact with the dog. City officials must complete the transfer within 30 days of the October 26 ruling.
Timeline
March 31, 2025: Major was struck by a truck and bit a woman who attempted to assist him.
September 2026: Shane Lilly filed a federal lawsuit against the city.
September 29, 2026: Judge David Alan Ezra agreed to consider the case.
October 26, 2026: Judge Ezra ruled against the euthanasia of the dog.
The Texas Context
This case tests the intersection of local animal control ordinances with federal protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court's ruling marks a departure from standard municipal enforcement by prioritizing rehabilitation over euthanasia for a service animal.
Austin officials must ensure the dog is released to a qualified rescue organization within 30 days of the October 26 ruling. The owner must secure $100,000 in liability insurance to comply with the court's requirements for the dog's future.
The takeaway
The court's decision highlights the complex legal protections granted to service animals under federal law. Residents should monitor future city council discussions regarding updates to animal control policies and potential changes to how impounded service animals are evaluated.
Further reading
For more on how local regulations affect pet ownership, visit Dogs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
Live Poll
Should local governments be allowed to euthanize animals that have bitten people?
