A Queensland man who falsely claimed his dog had been stolen after leaving the animal to die in his car has been sentenced in Cleveland Magistrates Court. Nathan Paul McKeown, 43, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including wilfully and unlawfully killing an animal, driving under the influence, driving without a licence, and obstructing police.
The court heard McKeown left his German shepherd, Arnie, without food, water, or ventilation while he spent the evening drinking and taking drugs at venues across Brisbane on November 8. He parked his car in Fortitude Valley at 10:45pm, briefly letting Arnie out to relieve himself before placing the dog back inside. McKeown then continued his night out using rideshares and taxis.
McKeown later claimed Arnie and his car had been stolen from a Wynnum address to avoid telling his wife about his actions. He appeared in national media appealing for help, while large sections of the community joined the search. The court heard he hindered police by providing an incorrect search area and timeline.
Arnie was found dead on November 17 after a member of the public reported a strong odour from the car. A post-mortem by the University of Queensland determined the cause of death was dehydration and heat stress, likely occurring 24 to 72 hours after confinement.
Magistrate Deborah Vasta described McKeown's lies as a snowball effect that grew bigger and bigger. She noted the public felt betrayed and manipulated, but also acknowledged the intense hatred and death threats McKeown had faced, which forced his family into hiding and cost him his job. A bomb sweep of the court premises was conducted due to threats.
McKeown, who has no criminal history, had checked into rehab in late December. His lawyer said he did not intend to harm Arnie and had turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with family issues. The magistrate imposed community service, stating it would help him repay his debt to the community.
