Texas judge blocks euthanasia of service dog after shelter isolation

A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a Belgian Malinois service dog named Major will not be euthanized, according to the New York Post and the Austin American-Statesman. Major had been held in shelter isolation for 575 days prior to the decision. The dog faced euthanasia after biting a bystander who attempted to place him in her car following a traffic accident. [1]

The incident occurred in Austin, Texas, in March 2025, when Major was hit by a truck. His owner, Shane Lilly, subsequently engaged in court battles for months to save the animal. The court case led to an emotional public campaign, which included protests outside the courthouse and a petition signed by more than 89,000 supporters. [1]

The Belgian Malinois is one of four distinct varieties of the Belgian Shepherd herding dog breed, characterized by its short fawn coat. The American Kennel Club considers the four varieties, which also include the Groenendael, Laekenois, and Tervueren, to be separate breeds. [2]