Brothel CCTV Footage Exposes Fabricated Dog Theft Story
A 43-year-old man stands accused of leaving his dog to die in a vehicle before inventing an elaborate theft story, only to be allegedly exposed by CCTV footage showing him visiting a brothel wearing the same distinctive hat featured in viral missing pet appeals.
Nathan McKeown, originally from Ireland but living in Australia, told police his black Toyota HiLux had been stolen from outside his friend's Wynnum home on November 7 with his eight-year-old German shepherd Arnie inside. His wife Louise reported the alleged theft, sparking a widespread media campaign to find their beloved pet.
The couple's emotional appeals gained significant online attention, particularly a photograph showing Nathan, Louise and Arnie that circulated widely across social media platforms and news outlets.
The Disturbing Discovery
Ten days after the reported theft, on November 17, McKeown's vehicle was discovered parked outside a massage parlour on Amelia Street in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley nightlife district. Tragically, Arnie was found dead inside the ute.
Police investigations took a dramatic turn when CCTV footage emerged showing McKeown's movements on the night of November 7. The security footage, which has been reviewed by police, captures McKeown arriving at a brothel nearly 5km from where his vehicle was later found.
Crucially, he was wearing the same camouflage-coloured hat that featured prominently in the media campaign to find Arnie. The footage shows him dressed in a coral T-shirt, beige cargo shorts, brown thongs and sporting distinctive earring studs.
According to the establishment's records, McKeown paid for a 45-minute service using his credit card during his first visit around 9.30pm. He allegedly returned to the brothel approximately five hours later at 2.30am, though staff reportedly refused his booking.
Police Allegations and Charges
Queensland Police will allege in court that McKeown drove his ute to Amelia Street at 10.30pm on November 7 and parked outside a massage parlour, leaving Arnie in the vehicle while he departed on foot.
On November 8, McKeown allegedly informed his wife that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting her to file an official police report. Authorities state that Louise McKeown had no knowledge that the theft story was fabricated.
The brothel manager told media that staff recognised McKeown when he appeared on the Today Show during one of his public appeals, primarily identifying him by his distinctive camouflage trucker hat. Management subsequently filed a report with police following McKeown's arrest.
McKeown has been charged with one count of breach of duty of care to an animal under Queensland's Animal Protection Act. He is scheduled to appear before a Brisbane court next month.
Queensland Police confirmed that their investigation determined no criminal offence of unlawful use of a motor vehicle had occurred, despite extensive public appeals and police resources being dedicated to the case.
