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2 clusters · 2 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Legal battle over Austin service dog euthanasia

Overview

A legal dispute began in March 2025 after Major, a Belgian Malinois service dog, was struck by a vehicle in Austin, Texas. During the incident, the dog bit a bystander attempting to assist him, leading the city to seek a municipal court order for euthanasia due to public safety concerns.

Owner Shane Lilly challenged the order through state level appeals, including the Texas Supreme Court, but was unsuccessful. Lilly subsequently filed a federal lawsuit alleging the city failed to properly consider the animal’s status as a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In early October 2026, a federal judge delayed the scheduled euthanasia to allow for a ruling. On October 26, 2026, US District Judge David Alan Ezra issued an order permanently blocking the City of Austin from euthanizing the dog. The ruling requires city officials to release Major to a rescue organization within 30 days to facilitate rehabilitation and a potential reunion with Lilly.

Entities

David Alan Ezra · Major · Shane Lilly · City of Austin · Austin, Texas

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Texas federal judge blocks euthanasia of service dog Major

    A Texas federal judge has blocked the City of Austin from euthanizing Major, a service dog involved in a biting incident following a traffic accident.

  2. [CRIME] 4 sources
    Austin service dog faces euthanasia as owner seeks federal intervention

    A federal judge has delayed the euthanasia of Major, a Belgian Malinois service dog in Austin, Texas, giving owner Shane Lilly days to argue for the animal's release and rehabilitation.

Sources

nypost.com · offthepress.com