A 43-year-old man who claimed his dog was stolen from a Brisbane home has been charged with abandoning the animal, which was later found dead. Nathan McKeown had previously appealed for public help in finding his German shepherd, Arnie, and his vehicle, which he said was taken from Wynnum on November 8.
Police allege McKeown drove the vehicle to Fortitude Valley on November 7 and left it there with Arnie inside. He then told his partner the next morning that the car had been stolen, leading her to report it to police. The car was found by a member of the public on Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley on November 17.
McKeown has been charged with one count of breach of duty of care of an animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act. The matter is expected to appear before a Brisbane court next month, and investigations are ongoing.
Police noted the case has been highly publicised and requested the public respect the court process. McKeown had previously spoken to media, claiming he received leads about the vehicle and urging the community to keep an eye out. His initial plea for help went viral, sparking an online petition with nearly 50,000 signatures calling for stricter animal cruelty laws.
