Major has spent more than 545 days separated from his family, but 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 a few 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 as he considers 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 urging officials to spare his dog.
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 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 aftermath, Lilly ran home to retrieve his cellphone.
While Lilly was gone, a well-intentioned bystander tried to lift the injured dog into a vehicle. Major bit her, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
The city brought Major to a shelter for rabies observation and later secured a municipal court order permitting his euthanasia, arguing that the dog represented a threat to public safety.
Lilly refused to abandon his fight.
He appealed the decision but lost in February 2026, then brought the case before the Texas Supreme Court in August.
However, the state’s highest court declined to revive the case, leaving Major under an active euthanasia order.
Even then, Lilly continued pursuing legal options.
In a federal lawsuit, he accused the city of failing to properly account for Major’s status as his service animal or to consider alternatives that could preserve the dog’s life.
Lilly is seeking an independent assessment by a third party to determine whether Major could be rehabilitated and retrained for a safe release. He is also requesting an evaluation in a federal disability lawsuit filed 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 sparked a growing public campaign. Supporters have protested outside the shelter and courthouse, with animal advocates holding signs that read, “Free Major!”
As of 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.”