Major has spent more than 545 days separated from his family. Now, the window to reunite the 65-pound Belgian Malinois with his beloved owner is rapidly closing.
A federal judge has once again postponed Major’s euthanasia, giving Shane Lilly several more precious days to fight for the dog he loves, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra delayed the procedure on Sept. 29 and said he would issue a ruling within 10 days while considering whether Major can finally be returned to Lilly.
“My beloved service animal, Major, faces an unjust death sentence that no animal deserves,” Lilly wrote in a petition seeking to save the dog’s life.
More than 54,000 people have signed the petition.
While the legal fight continues, Major remains confined at an Austin animal shelter. He has been held there since March 31, 2025, isolated from his family and prohibited from interacting with people or other dogs.
The unusual case began in March 2025, when a white pickup truck struck Major as he walked with Lilly on Felix Avenue in Austin.
In the chaotic moments that followed, Lilly ran home to retrieve his cellphone.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, a bystander who was trying to help lift the injured dog into a vehicle was bitten by Major.
The city took Major to a shelter for rabies observation and later secured a municipal court order allowing him to be euthanized, arguing that the dog presented a danger to the public.
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Lilly, however, refused to stop fighting for him.
He appealed the decision and lost in February 2026 before bringing the case to the Texas Supreme Court in August.
The state’s highest court declined to revive the case, leaving Major under an active euthanasia order.
Even then, Lilly continued his legal battle.
In a federal lawsuit, he accused the city of failing to properly account for Major’s status as his service animal or consider alternatives that could preserve the dog’s life.
Lilly is requesting an independent assessment by a third party to determine whether Major could be rehabilitated and retrained for a safe release. He is also seeking an evaluation as part of a federal disability lawsuit against the city and three animal shelter employees.
“Major has been a loyal service animal and a gentle soul who acted instinctively when he was in pain,” Lilly said. “He does not deserve to be separated from his family and condemned without just cause.”
Major’s case has fueled a growing public campaign. Supporters have demonstrated outside the shelter and the courthouse, holding signs that read, “Free Major!”
By Friday, 54,983 people had signed the Change.org petition calling for Major to be spared.
“I urge you to stand with us and demand justice for Major,” Lilly said. “Please sign and share this petition to help protect our pets and service animals from unwarranted harm.”
