A CLEVELAND man has appeared in court accused of accidentally killing his own dog and then inventing a stolen car story to cover up what police allege was a night of heavy drinking in Fortitude Valley.
Nathan McKeown, the owner of Arnie the German Shepherd, has been charged following an investigation into the dog’s disappearance — a case that sparked weeks of desperate online appeals and attracted widespread public sympathy.
Arnie went missing late last year after Mr McKeown reported his car stolen from Brisbane’s inner city, claiming the dog had been inside the vehicle at the time.
The story prompted a viral social media campaign, with thousands sharing posts and offering help in the hope the missing dog would be found alive.
However, police allege the stolen car claim was false.
According to court documents, Mr McKeown allegedly drove into Fortitude Valley, consumed large amounts of alcohol and later forgot where he had parked his vehicle.
Police further allege Arnie was fatally injured during the incident.
Investigators later uncovered evidence contradicting the stolen car account, leading to charges being laid against Mr McKeown in relation to the dog’s death and the allegedly false report.
The case has shocked many who followed Arnie’s disappearance online, with animal welfare advocates expressing anger and heartbreak as the allegations emerged.
