The Queensland Police Service has confirmed it will not appeal the sentence imposed on a man whose dog died after being left in a car, bringing legal proceedings in the high-profile case to a close.
Nathan Paul McKeown, 43, was sentenced in the Cleveland Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to one count of wilfully and unlawfully killing, maiming or wounding an animal, as well as driving under the influence, driving without a licence and obstructing police.
In a statement following the decision, a QPS spokesperson said the matter would go no further.
“The QPS acknowledges the decision of the court. There are no grounds for appeal,” the spokesperson said.
Community backlash after dog found dead
The case attracted national attention last year after McKeown reported his German shepherd, Arnie, and his car stolen from a Wynnum address on November 8.
Police later uncovered that the theft claim was false.
The court heard McKeown had spent the previous evening travelling around Brisbane after an argument with a family member, drinking alcohol and consuming drugs while leaving the dog confined in his vehicle without food, water or ventilation.
The car was parked in Fortitude Valley about 10.45pm, with McKeown then continuing his night using rideshare services and taxis.
He contacted his wife the following day, claiming the vehicle and dog had been stolen.
Arnie was found dead inside the car on November 17 after a member of the public reported a strong odour.
A post-mortem determined the dog died from dehydration and heat stress, likely within 24 to 72 hours of being confined.
Court spares conviction
In sentencing, Magistrate Deborah Vasta described the false report as a lie that “snowballed”, noting the significant police resources and community effort directed towards the search.
Prosecutors said McKeown had obstructed officers by providing incorrect information about the alleged theft, and that his public appeals for help intensified community involvement.
However, the court also heard McKeown had no prior criminal history, had since entered rehabilitation and had been subjected to intense public condemnation, including threats that forced his family into hiding and cost him his job.
Magistrate Vasta ordered McKeown to complete 240 hours of community service and disqualified him from driving for eight months.
No conviction was recorded.
While the sentence drew strong reaction from some members of the public, police have now confirmed they will not seek to challenge the outcome, effectively ending the case.
