Nathan McKeown, 43, initially made several public pleas for help after claiming his dog, Arnie, and his Toyota Hilux were stolen from a Queensland location. The incident was reported to have occurred on November 7 while Arnie, a German shepherd, was asleep in the vehicle’s tray.
After an extensive search, the vehicle was discovered by a passerby on November 17, with the unfortunate revelation that Arnie had passed away inside.
In a surprising development, authorities later asserted that the vehicle had not been stolen, leading to McKeown being charged with neglecting his duty of care for an animal.
This charge was recently revised to include one count of injuring animals, specifically causing injury or death during nighttime.
McKeown faces additional charges, including three counts of driving without a valid license due to accumulated demerit points, one count of driving under the influence, and serious obstruction of law enforcement.
He is scheduled to appear in a Brisbane court later this month.
Detectives from the Bayside Criminal Investigation branch will allege in court that McKeown drove his Hilux into Amelia Street in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and left on foot around 10.30pm on November 7.
Police will allege Arnie was left inside the vehicle at that time.
The next morning, it is alleged McKeown told his partner that the vehicle had been stolen from a Wynnum address.
She then reported the theft to police.
Police will allege the man’s partner was not aware that the Hilux had not been stolen.
The search for Arnie became a highly publicised case, with police and community groups all joining the search for the suspected stolen car and dog.
Queensland Police say the investigation is ongoing, and thanked the public for their assistance.
“Media and the public are thanked for their extensive assistance throughout the investigation,” a spokesperson said.
“Police are aware this has been a highly publicised case, and offences of this nature may cause distress and upset members of the public.”
