The owner of Arnie the german shepherd has been charged after the family dog was found dead in his ute in Brisbane.
The black Toyota HiLux was reported as stolen from the Wynnum area in eastern Brisbane on November 8.
Police were told Arnie was inside the car at the time of the alleged theft.
A widespread search for the family dog was launched, with the case garnering traction on social media.
Queensland Police confirmed a 43-year-old man who owned the dog has now been charged with one count of breach of duty of care of animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act.
Police allege the man drove the car to Amelia St in Fortitude Valley about 10.30pm on November 7 before leaving on foot, with Arnie still inside the car.
The next morning he allegedly told his partner the car had been stolen from a Wynnum address.
The woman reported the theft of the car to police, with investigators alleging she did not know the car had not in fact been stolen.
The car was found on Amelia St on November 17 by a member of the public, with Arnie dead inside.
The 43-year-old man was arrested on Thursday night and charged with one count of breach of duty of care of animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act.
The matter is expected to appear before a Brisbane court next month.
The family had previously shared their grief over Arnie’s death via a social media post.
“We sincerely want to thank everyone for all your help over the past week in the search for our boy Arnie,” the post read.
“Unfortunately there isn’t a better outcome and Arnie was found yesterday deceased, still in the back of the Ute that was stolen.
“We are beyond devastated, he didn’t deserve to go like this. We had the best life with him and he is going to be so missed.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson asked the public be respectful of the matter’s progression through the courts.
“The QPS takes animal care seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“Any reports of a breach of a duty of care towards animals will be taken seriously and fully investigated.”
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