<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The owner of a beloved German shepherd that was found dead in a ute has now been charged after it was revealed the car was never stolen.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Nathan McKeown, 43, had fronted several public appeals for information after it was reported to police that his Toyota Hilux had been stolen from an address in Queensland with his beloved dog, named Arnie, asleep in the ute's tray.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police were told the Hilux had been stolen on the night of November 7. At 4pm on November 17, a member of the public found the vehicle with Arnie deceased inside.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/nvidia-earnings-will-shed-a-light-on-whether-big-tech-is-fueling-an-ai-boom-or-bubble/deb139da-4f59-47bb-8905-58b9f42fa8b7" target="_blank"><strong><span>'AI bubble' fears eased as world's most valuable company clears hurdle</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Now, in a bizarre twist, police allege the vehicle was never stolen and McKeown has been charged with one count of breaching a duty of care of an animal.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Detectives from the Bayside Criminal Investigation branch will allege in court that McKeown drove his Hilux into Amelia Street in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley and left on foot around 10.30pm on November 7.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police will allege Arnie was left inside the vehicle at that time.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/owner-charged-after-ute-with-dog-dead-inside-found-on-street-queensland/1532d732-7402-48d7-a35d-bb183d84e7ca" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The next morning, it is alleged McKeown told his partner that the vehicle had been stolen from a Wynnum address.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>She then reported the theft to police.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police will allege the man's partner was not aware that the Hilux had not been stolen.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/cancer-pancreatic-plea-disease-wiped-out-stephs-beloved-family-within-a-year/955a325d-9066-41fb-88b9-b04eb35beac2" target="_blank"><strong><span>One disease wiped out Steph's family in a year. Survival rates have barely changed</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The search for Arnie became a highly publicised case, with police and community groups all joining the search for the suspected stolen car and dog.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Queensland Police say the investigation is ongoing, and thanked the public for their assistance.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Media and the public are thanked for their extensive assistance throughout the investigation," a spokesperson said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Police are aware this has been a highly publicised case, and offences of this nature may cause distress and upset members of the public."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The matter is expected to appear before a Brisbane Court next month.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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