Bayside family devastated after ute stolen with beloved dog still inside
A Brisbane man has launched a desperate plea after his HiLux was stolen with his German Shepherd still in the back.
A Wynnum father has spent two sleepless nights scouring Brisbane for his missing German shepherd after thieves stole his black Toyota HiLux with the dog in the back on Friday night.
Nathan McKeown said the ute was taken from outside a friend’s home on Davidson St, Wynnum, on Friday night.
His seven-year-old German shepherd, Arnie, was inside the tray canopy when the vehicle was taken.
The vehicle is a black Toyota HiLux with a canopy and for-sale signs handwritten in white marker across the rear and side windows.
McKeown’s mobile number is written on the glass.
“It’s been two days now. I don’t know if he’s been let out somewhere, if he’s locked inside, if he’s hurt,” Mr McKeown said.
“I’ve been out since 2.30 this morning just driving. I’ve been through Wynnum, Manly, the city, even the Valley. I just want my dog back.”
The devastated owner said he had spoken to police, checked with towing companies, and contacted the Brisbane City Council to see if Arnie had been handed in.
Mr McKeown said officers at Wynnum Police Station had taken a report but, like many stolen-vehicle cases, the main hope now is that CCTV or the public spots the ute.
Community members have joined the hunt sharing photos and descriptions of Arnie.
Thousands of people have shared the missing-dog post, calling the theft “disgusting”, “heartless” and “beyond low”.
“Stealing a car is one thing, but stealing someone’s dog is just psychotic,” one commenter wrote.
Another said: “You can replace a ute, but you can’t replace a family member.”
Many are urging the thieves to at least release the dog somewhere safe.
Mr McKeown said his five-year-old daughter did not yet know Arnie was missing.
“That’s the part I’m dreading, she’ll be heartbroken,” he said.
Police are aware of the theft, and locals are being urged to check CCTV and dashcam footage from Friday evening and overnight into Saturday.
Arnie is microchipped, and vets across Brisbane have been told to watch for him.
The case has sparked fresh anger about a spike in car thefts across Brisbane’s bayside, with residents reporting vehicles later found dumped in Logan, the Gold Coast, or even the Redlands’ waterfront mangroves.
Mr McKeown said he believed the thieves might not have realised Arnie was inside.
“At this point I don’t even care about the ute, just bring my dog back,” he said.
Anyone who sees the vehicle, Arnie, or has CCTV of suspicious behaviour in Wynnum or Manly between Friday night and early Saturday morning is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers immediately.
Arnie is a black-and-tan German Shepherd with a thick coat and friendly nature.
