Overview
- Nathan Paul McKeown pleaded guilty and received 240 hours of community service and an eight‑month driving disqualification, with no conviction recorded.
- Police Minister Dan Purdie has sought legal advice on a possible sentence appeal, and the government has not decided whether to proceed.
- Arnie, a seven-year-old German shepherd, died from heat stress and dehydration after being left in McKeown's ute, with a post-mortem indicating death 24 to 72 hours after confinement.
- McKeown falsely claimed his vehicle was stolen and fronted national media appeals, prompting a large search that diverted police resources and angered volunteers.
- Magistrate Deborah Vasta said McKeown would have been jailed if the killing had been deliberate and told him his actions caused his dog's death.