The death of beloved German shepherd Arnie has prompted locals to rally for animal protection and crime prevention.
The seven-year-old family pet was found dead after being left in the back of his family’s ute, which was stolen in Wynnum, Brisbane.
Nathan McKeown was visiting friends on November 7 when Arnie, who did not get along with another dog at the property, was put in the back of the vehicle to rest.
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When McKeown returned to leave, the ute was gone with Arnie inside.
Police launched an immediate investigation and the community rallied to help locate the missing dog.
“He’s our family pet, we’ve been through a lot with him, we just want him back,” McKeown’s wife Louise said at the time.
“He’s very special, very.”
Following a week-long search by police and volunteers, a member of the public located the stolen car parked on Amelia St in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, on Friday. Arnie was found dead inside the car.
Nathan said the family was devastated.
“We sincerely want to thank everyone for all your help over the past week in the search for our boy Arnie,” he said.
Neighbourhood Crime Watchers (NCW) coordinated the search across Brisbane and surrounding areas.
Founder Damion Douglass called the offenders’ actions “pure stupidity recklessness and useless”.
“Want to know how to get on the wrong side of a nation? Force a father to tell his daughter he wasn’t able to bring her family member home,” he said.
“There is no way to adequately describe the anger and disappointment we feel at this outcome.
“Not only learning that Arnie’s life was taken in a cruel and pointless manner, but listening to a heartbroken father and husband who then had to deliver that devastating news to his family.
“Nathan spent days, nights, hours upon hours barely resting, constantly updating the community, chasing every single lead, even while the entire nation was behind him.
“And despite all of that, he still couldn’t find his vehicle or his best mate.”
“To the offenders: we gave you far more credit than you ever deserved.
“Not once did we think that even in your pathetic, mindless state you would choose to harm an innocent animal.
“You knew the family were desperate. You knew the community relied on you to do the right thing.
“You knew exactly what you had done the moment you saw Arnie in the back of Nathan’s truck, yet you chose the most cowardly option imaginable to avoid the consequences.”
Douglass called on the alleged thieves to come forward.
“If you have any decency left, hand yourselves in to police now and face the consequences.”
NCW has launched a new platform named A.R.N.I.E (Animal Registry Neighbourhood Intelligence Exchange) in honour of the dog, allowing the community to share information about missing or at-risk animals.
“Our volunteers showed the true strength of this community,” Douglass said.
“Their persistence and coordination made a real difference.”
The new initiative aims to prevent similar tragedies and ensure animals affected by crime get support from authorities and the community.
“Rest in peace, Arnie. You were loved. You were family. And you deserved far better than what was done to you.“
Queensland Police are investigating the theft and circumstances of Arnie’s death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christopher Lafferty said officers were committed to holding those responsible accountable.
“Investigators are devastated by this discovery and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time,” he said.
Anyone has relevant information or vision, including dashcam and CCTV, are urged to contact police.
