Owner of beloved German shepherd found dead charged as police say family’s ute was not stolen
The owner of a beloved German shepherd that was found dead in a ute has now been charged after it was revealed the car was never stolen.
Nathan McKeown, 43, had fronted several public appeals for information after it was reported to police that his Toyota Hilux had been stolen from an address in Queensland with his beloved dog, named Arnie, asleep in the ute’s tray.
Police were told the Hilux had been stolen on the night of November 7. At 4pm on November 17, a member of the public found the vehicle with Arnie deceased inside.
Arnie the German shepherd was found dead inside the ute on November 17. (Nine)Arnie’s owner, Nathan McKeown, appeared in several public calls for help to find the vehicle. (Today)
Now, in a bizarre twist, police allege the vehicle was never stolen and McKeown has been charged with one count of breaching a duty of care of an animal.
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.
Police have now determined that the ute was not stolen. (Supplied)
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.”
The matter is expected to appear before a Brisbane Court next month.
