Major’s life has been spared.

A federal judge has blocked the euthanasia of Major, a Belgian Malinois service dog who has spent 575 days isolated in a kennel, after biting a woman who tried to help him following an accident, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

And people across the country are rejoicing. The case sparked an emotional public campaign, with supporters protesting outside the courthouse and more than 89,000 people signing a petition calling for Major to be spared.

“Major is not an aggressive animal,” said his relieved owner, 57-year-old veteran Shane Lilly. “Major has no interest in bothering people or other animals. He is a happy dog. He plays gently.”

Now, Austin officials must release him to a rescue organization within 30 days and give the 3-year-old, 65-pound dog a chance at rehabilitation and a reunion with Lilly.

US District Judge David Alan Ezra issued the order Oct. 26, ending a lengthy, brutal legal court battle in which Lilly fought to save his beloved companion.

The harrowing saga began March 31, 2025, when Major was struck by a truck while walking with Lilly in Austin.

Lilly ran to get his phone while a woman attempted to help the injured dog into a vehicle. Major bit the woman, injuring her arm, according to the court filings.

City officials took custody of the dog and obtained a court order authorizing euthanasia, arguing Major posed a serious threat to public safety.

Lilly fought back in multiple lawsuits. But eventually, even the Texas Supreme Court turned him down.

In September, Lilly took one last stab at securing Major’s freedom and filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Austin had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to consider Major’s role as his service animal. Lilly said Major helps him manage seizures resulting from a traumatic brain injury.

On Sept. 29, Judge Ezra said he would consider the case before issuing a final decision. After a nail-biting month, he ruled in Major’s favor.

But Major’s fight isn’t over yet.

Under the court order, Major must be transferred to a secure enclosure outside Austin and undergo at least 30 days of decompression and behavioral evaluation.

During that time, only Lilly and Kenneth Martin, a designated behavioral veterinarian, will be permitted to be with Major while Martin assesses whether Major can be safely returned to Lilly.

Major will not be permitted to roam among the general public again, according to the order.

Lilly must also take out at least $100,00 in liability insurance to cover potential damages if Major ever bites someone again.

After the announcement of the ruling, supporters flooded social media with messages of celebration.

“This is WONDERFUL news!!” one person commented.

“I’ve been checking on it everyday. So relieved,” wrote another.

“What wonderful news for Major! ❤️🐾 After 575 days in captivity, this precious boy finally has a chance at a better life! My heart breaks thinking about the isolation he endured for so long, without the comfort of human touch or companionship,” a third supporter wrote.

Austin officials said they would comply with Ezra’s order but stated they remain concerned about the dog’s public safety risk “and hope that Major gets the care and attention he needs.”