What’s happening
Police have released three updates on the Wynnum case involving a black 2012 Toyota Hilux and Arnie, the German Shepherd who was inside the vehicle. The case began with an appeal for public help after the vehicle was reported stolen between 1.30 am and 5 am on 8 November from Davidson Street.
Police searched across Brisbane after early reports of possible sightings of Arnie, but the sightings were not confirmed. At 4pm on 17 November, a member of the public found the Hilux on Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley. Arnie was found deceased inside the parked vehicle.
Investigations have since confirmed that the vehicle was not stolen, and the male owner has now been charged with several offences.
Why it matters
The case received strong public attention because police called for help to find Arnie and the missing Hilux. Officers said they worked around the clock and had hoped to reunite Arnie with his family.
The outcome has been upsetting for many members of the public, and police have asked for respect as the matter moves through the court process. The Queensland Police Service said it takes animal care seriously and will fully investigate any breach of duty of care.
By the numbers
-
More than 3 days passed between the alleged theft report on 8 November and the discovery of the Hilux on 17 November at 4pm in Fortitude Valley.
-
One dog, Arnie, a German Shepherd, was found deceased inside the vehicle.
-
One 43-year-old male owner has been charged with offences under the Animal Protection Act, the Criminal Code, and road traffic laws.
Zoom in
In the first update on 18 November, police said they had followed all lines of enquiry to find Arnie and the Hilux.
They said public reports took investigators across the Brisbane Region and nearby districts, but none of the sightings were confirmed. Detective Senior Sergeant Christopher Lafferty said, “We had not given up hope of finding Arnie and being able to reunite him with his family. Investigators are devastated by this discovery and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.” He added, “Officers remain committed to finding justice for Arnie and his family and will continue to investigate any report to identify and locate the offender.”
In the second update on 20 November, police confirmed that the male owner had assisted with the investigation and that a criminal offence of unlawful use of a motor vehicle had not occurred.
Police allege that shortly after 10.30 pm on 7 November, the male owner drove the vehicle into Amelia Street and left on foot. Police allege Arnie was left inside the vehicle. The next morning, the man allegedly told his partner the Hilux had been stolen from Wynnum.
Police say the woman later reported the matter, unaware that the vehicle had not been taken. Investigators said Arnie was found deceased at 4 pm on 17 November. That same evening, the 43-year-old man was charged with one count of breach of duty of care of an animal by failing to provide under the Animal Protection Act.
Zoom out
In the final update on 4 December, police said the original breach of duty of care charge was amended on 2 December to one count of injuring animals causing injury or death by night under the Criminal Code.
The man was also charged with three counts of driving a motor vehicle without a driver licence demerit points, one count of driving under the influence, and one count of serious obstructing police. Police thanked the media and public for their help and said they were aware that the case had caused distress.
They reminded the public that all reports of a breach of duty of care towards animals will be taken seriously and fully investigated.
What to look for next
The matter is expected to appear before a Brisbane Court this month. Police say investigations remain ongoing.
