Owner of German shepherd Arnie faces more charges after case takes bizarre turn

Thursday, 4 December 2025 11:44

Nathan McKeown reported his dog had been stolen. He was the only one charged.

The owner of a beloved German shepherd found dead in a ute has been charged with a string of additional offences after police investigated an allegedly false report regarding his dog and car.

Nathan McKeown, 43, fronted several public appeals for information after it was reported his dog Arnie and Toyota Hilux had been stolen from an address in Queensland while the German shepherd was asleep in the tray on November 7.

The ute was found 10 days later on November 17 by a member of the public with Arnie deceased inside.

In a bizarre twist, police later alleged the ute had not been stolen and McKeown was charged with one count of breaching a duty of care of an animal.

The charge was updated this week to one count of injuring animals (causing injury or death) by night.

McKeown was also charged with three counts of driving a car without a driver's licence due to demerit points, one count of driving under the influence and serious obstruction of police.

He is expected to appear before a Brisbane Court this month.

Detectives from the Bayside Criminal Investigation branch will allege in court that McKeown drove his Hilux into Amelia Street in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley and left on foot around 10.30pm on November 7.

Police will allege Arnie was left inside the vehicle at that time.

Nathan McKeown stolen German Sheperd Arnie Today Show November 11, 2025

The next morning, it is alleged McKeown told his partner that the vehicle had been stolen from a Wynnum address.

She then reported the theft to police.

Police will allege the man's partner was not aware that the Hilux had not been stolen.

The search for Arnie became a highly publicised case, with police and community groups all joining the search for the suspected stolen car and dog.

Queensland Police say the investigation is ongoing, and thanked the public for their assistance.

"Media and the public are thanked for their extensive assistance throughout the investigation," a spokesperson said.

"Police are aware this has been a highly publicised case, and offences of this nature may cause distress and upset members of the public."

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