In a case that has galvanized animal welfare advocates across the country, a federal judge in Austin, Texas, has issued a temporary stay of execution for Major, a service dog who has spent 545 days locked inside a municipal animal shelter. The ruling, handed down on September 29 by U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra, gives Major's owner, Shane Lilly, a 10-day window to present new evidence that could spare the dog's life.
Major, a 29-kilogram trained assistance dog, was originally seized after an incident on March 31 on Felix Avenue, when a white pickup truck struck him while his owner had briefly returned home to retrieve his phone. The collision left Major with severe physical trauma, and advocates argue that his subsequent defensive behavior was a direct result of that pain and fear.
A legal battle rooted in disability rights
Lilly, who relies on Major to mitigate epileptic seizures and the effects of traumatic brain injuries, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Austin and three shelter employees. The suit alleges that municipal authorities violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by ordering Major's euthanasia without conducting an individualized assessment of his role as a service animal.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how cities handle service animals involved in incidents, particularly when the animal's behavior is linked to a medical condition. The city, however, maintains that public safety protocols require strict enforcement, despite the mitigating circumstances that date back to February 2026 and a subsequent rejection by the Supreme Court of Texas in August of that year.
“This is not just about one dog,” said a spokesperson for the advocacy group that has organized vigils outside the shelter and courthouse. “It’s about the rights of people with disabilities to keep their essential companions.”
Public pressure and expert testimony
Grassroots organizations have mobilized through digital campaigns and physical posters reading “¡Liberen a Major!” outside the Austin shelter and courthouse. A Change.org petition demanding a third-party behavioral evaluation has gathered more than 54,000 signatures, and veterinary behaviorists have submitted independent affidavits suggesting that Major’s reaction stemmed from extreme trauma, not aggression.
In court documents, Lilly expressed his anguish in Spanish, a language that resonates with many in the Latino community who understand the deep bond between humans and their animal companions: “Mi querido animal de servicio, Major, enfrenta una sentencia de muerte injusta que ningún animal merece; Major fue un compañero leal y un ser apacible que reaccionó de manera instintiva cuando estaba sufriendo.”
The case has also drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by service animal users, particularly in states like Texas where legal protections can be unevenly applied. As one advocate noted, “This is a reminder that our laws must evolve to protect those who depend on these animals for their very survival.”
While the city of Austin has not commented on the federal stay, the judge’s order gives Lilly a strict deadline to present rehabilitation evidence. Supporters remain hopeful that Major will be reunited with his owner, but the clock is ticking.
For now, Major remains in the shelter, but the nationwide outcry—and the legal lifeline—offers a glimmer of hope. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of due process for service animals and the families who rely on them.
