A Brisbane man who claimed his vehicle had been stolen with his beloved family dog inside has been charged with animal abandonment.
Nathan McKeown claimed his Toyota Hilux vehicle containing Arnie, a 7-year-old German shepherd, was taken from his home in Wynnum on November 8.
The 43-year-old appeared in public appeals calling for the return of his family's pet.
"Hopefully he's found. I don't care about the ute," he told the ABC two days after Arnie's disappearance.
The vehicle was found parked on Amelia St in Fortitude Valley on the around 4pm on November 17.
Arnie was found dead inside the vehicle.
Queensland Police today said it had established that "a criminal offence of unlawful use of motor vehicle has not occurred".
Police alleged McKeown had driven the vehicle with Arnie inside to Amelia St shortly after 10.30pm on November 7 before leaving on foot.
The following morning, McKeown allegedly told his partner the vehicle had been stolen. McKeown’s partner subsequently reported the 'theft' to police.
McKeown was on Wednesday evening charged with one count of breach of duty of care of an animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act.
He is due to appear before a Brisbane court next month.
Investigations are ongoing.
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