Judge Blocks Euthanasia of Austin Service Dog Major
The federal ruling mandates that the service dog be moved to a rescue for behavioral evaluation instead of euthanasia.
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 Belgian Malinois, ordering the city of Austin to release the dog to a rescue group for rehabilitation. The 65-pound service dog, owned by Shane Lilly, had been held in kennel isolation for 575 days following a biting incident.
Why it matters
The ruling resolves a contentious legal battle over whether the service dog posed an ongoing safety threat, providing a reprieve for owners who rely on assistance animals for disability management. It emphasizes the complex intersection of public safety protocols and the protections offered to service animals under federal disability law.
Major must undergo a 30-day behavioral evaluation and decompression period outside of Austin. To comply with the court's requirements for his release, owner Shane Lilly is now required to carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance.
The players
Major
A 3-year-old, 65-pound Belgian Malinois trained to support his owner with seizure management.
Shane Lilly
A 57-year-old owner who utilizes a service dog to help manage seizures resulting from a traumatic brain injury.
David Alan Ezra
The US District Judge who issued the federal order to block the city-ordered euthanasia of the service dog.
The details
The dog was struck by a truck on March 31, 2025, and subsequently bit a bystander who attempted to provide aid. Austin officials had initially ordered euthanasia, citing public safety concerns, while the owner argued the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the new court mandate, only Lilly and a designated behavioral veterinarian are permitted to interact with the dog during his 30-day rehabilitation window.
Timeline
March 31, 2025: Major was involved in an accident and subsequent bite incident.
September 2026: Shane Lilly filed a federal lawsuit against the city.
October 26, 2026: Judge David Alan Ezra issued the order to block the euthanasia.
The Home Front
This case highlights the legal protections afforded to service animals when they conflict with local municipal animal control and euthanasia ordinances. It marks a significant shift in how city-level public safety mandates are being balanced against the rights granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you rely on a service animal, ensure you maintain updated documentation of your animal's training and certification to assist in local disputes. It is also wise to review your homeowner or renter insurance policy to confirm that it provides sufficient liability coverage for your service animal.
The takeaway
This ruling establishes a critical precedent for how service dog owners can contest municipal euthanasia orders through federal litigation. Owners should keep their liability insurance documentation easily accessible in the event of any incidents involving their service animals.
What happens next
Austin officials must transfer the dog to a rescue organization by November 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local pet management and legal standards, visit the Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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