A Brisbane man who launched a viral social media campaign to find his allegedly stolen dog is now facing a series of new charges after police uncovered evidence the animal was left to die in his car.
Viral Plea and a Tragic Discovery
Nathan McKeown, 43, and his wife captured national attention last month with an emotional appeal for help to find their German shepherd, Arnie. They offered a $6,000 reward after reporting that both the dog and their ute were stolen from outside a Wynnum home in Brisbane's east between 1.30am and 5am on November 8.
The story resonated widely, with Australians flooding the family with support and potential sightings. However, the campaign unravelled just days later when Arnie was discovered dead inside the same ute, which was parked in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's nightlife district, on November 17.
Mounting Legal Troubles for the Owner
McKeown was initially charged on November 19 with one count of breach of duty of care to an animal, accused of failing to provide for Arnie. Queensland Police have now revealed three further charges.
The new allegations include driving a motor vehicle without a driver licence, driving under the influence of drugs, and the serious offence of obstruction of police. Police will allege that McKeown drove the vehicle to Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley shortly after 10.30pm on November 7 and left it on foot with Arnie still inside.
Allegations of a Fabricated Theft
The court will hear that McKeown subsequently told his wife the car had been stolen the following day, prompting her to make a report to police. Authorities state that his wife was unaware the theft report was false.
This sequence of events means the public campaign and reward offer were launched while, police allege, McKeown knew the location of the vehicle and his deceased dog. The case has shifted from a heart-warming community search to a serious animal cruelty and deception investigation.
Nathan McKeown is scheduled to face a Brisbane court later this month to answer all four charges.
