Nathan McKeown: Arnie the German shepherd’s owner hit with fresh charges after dog found dead in ute
Police have laid fresh charges against the owner of Arnie the German shepherd, the family pet who died after the vehicle he was in was reported stolen.
The case generated widespread attention on social media, as Queenslanders rallied to help locate the missing dog.
Police were initially told the black Toyota Hilux had been pinched from a property in Wynnum on November 8, with Arnie inside.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Days later, though, detectives confirmed the vehicle had not been stolen.
Instead, the Bayside criminal investigation branch allege the 43-year-old owner drove the vehicle to Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley shortly after 10.30pm on November 7 and left it there with Arnie still inside.
Police claim he then told his partner the next morning that the vehicle had been stolen from Wynnum, prompting her to report the matter.
Investigators say she was unaware of the true circumstances surrounding the car’s disappearance.
Ten days later, on November 17 at 4pm, a member of the public found the Hilux parked on the same Fortitude Valley street where it had been left. Arnie was discovered dead inside.
Police charged the owner last month with one count of breach of duty of care of an animal by failing to provide, under the Animal Protection Act. Detectives later amended the charge to injuring animals (causing injury or death) by night under the Criminal Code.
Queensland Police confirmed on Thursday the man has now been hit with additional offences, including driving without a licence, driving under the influence and one count of serious obstruction of police.
He is expected to face a Brisbane court later this month.
In a statement, police acknowledged the significant public attention the case has attracted and urged community members to respect the court process.
“The Queensland Police Service takes animal care seriously,” the statement said.
“Any reports of a breach of duty of care towards animals will be taken seriously and fully investigated.”
Investigations under Strike Force Bray remain ongoing.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.
