Australian man charged after leading week-long search for dog he allegedly abandoned to die

Brisbane man Nathan McKeown has been charged for abandoning his family dog Arnie, despite having claimed the pet had been stolen. Photo / Nathan McKeown

A weeklong search for a “stolen” German Shepherd has ended in charges for his owner after it was revealed the Brisbane man had allegedly abandoned the dog to die.

Queensland police concluded the investigation into the theft of Arnie yesterday, announcing through a statement that the dog had never been stolen.

His owner, Nathan McKeown, has been charged with breaching his duty of care of an animal by leaving the 7-year-old pet to die, 9 News reported.

McKeown allegedly left his Hilux on a Fortitude Valley street shortly after 10.30pm on November 7, with Arnie sleeping in the ute’s tray.

The following day, he told his wife Louise the vehicle had been stolen from a Wynnum address, prompting her to report the theft to police.

But when McKeown’s ute was located on November 17, Arnie dead inside, police began to suspect neither had ever been stolen.

“It has now been established that ... unlawful use of motor vehicle has not occurred,” police said.

Seven-year-old Arnie inspired a significant community search effort. Photo / Nathan McKeown

McKeown had appealed to the public for Arnie’s return in a series of media appearances, garnering statewide attention for the case.

The 43-year-old detailed his search efforts in an unreleased interview with the Daily Mail before the ute was discovered.

“I’ve been driving around, finding leads, chasing down CCTV, my phone has been hopping,” he said.

He went on to describe himself as “gutted” by the “heart-wrenching” loss – all while allegedly knowing his pet was likely long-dead.

“Arnie is a beautiful-natured dog. He’s been in the family since he was eight weeks old.

“He’s got a good, strong character. He even knew my wife was pregnant before my wife did.”

Police said Louise genuinely believed McKeown’s theft claims and she was not implicated in the incident.

McKeown is expected to appear in Brisbane Court next month.

Anticipating the public’s backlash against the accused dog-killer, Queensland Police asked the community to avoid interfering in his prosecution.

“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 Queensland Police Service requests that the public are respectful of the matter’s progression through the courts.”