3 months ago
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A man accused of lying about his ute being stolen along with his dog – which was later found dead – is now facing upgraded charges.
Nathan McKeown and Louise McKeown reported their ute had been stolen from the Brisbane bayside suburb of Wynnum with their pet German shepherd Arnie in the back on Saturday, November 8.
The duo did several high-profile media engagements, including television interviews, calling for the thief to return the dog, with the story attracting significant nationwide attention.
Arnie and his owners, before the dog was found dead in the McKeowns’ ute.Credit: Nine News
But 10 days later, the ute was later found on Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley, with the seven-year-old dog dead inside.
A day later, Nathan McKeown, 43, was charged with one count of breach of duty of care of animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act.
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After more investigations, police on Tuesday amended the original charge to one count of injuring animals (causing injury or death) by night under the Criminal Code.
He was also charged with an extra three offences of driving with a suspended licence due to demerit points, driving under the influence, and seriously obstructing police.
Investigators have previously claimed McKeown drove the vehicle himself to Fortitude Valley just after 10.30pm on November 7, and left the vehicle on foot with the dog inside.
He allegedly told his partner the following morning the ute was stolen, and she called police.
McKeown is due to appear in a Brisbane magistrates court this month.
Police have previously said they did not think Louise McKeown had been dishonest, as she had believed the ute was stolen.
With William Davis
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