Austin officials are trying to arrange a final visit this week between Major, a dog that has spent more than 525 days in isolation at the city shelter, and his owner, Shane Lilly. The city said Tuesday that it must move forward with complying with a court order to euthanize the dog after the court denied Lilly's emergency appeal on Thursday. The order does not include a deadline. The city said it has asked Lilly to set a time for the visit and is waiting for his response.
More than 6,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Major's life to be spared. About 15 people gathered Saturday outside the shelter to call for his release. Lilly, who represented himself through the legal fight, said he is unsure what he will do. He said he relied on Major for companionship and help with physical tasks, such as opening doors.
Julie Oliver, a local animal advocate who organized Saturday's protest, said she wants the city to reach an agreement that would allow Major's release under conditions, including an expert evaluation of whether the dog could be retrained. She also wants the city to change its policy on serious bodily injury bite cases to require a medical expert to testify. The city said it does not have independent legal authority to release Major or have him evaluated for rehabilitation.