'Dognap' ruse to hide drug and booze bender led to pet's death

AN IRISHMAN who claimed his dog was kidnapped and later found dead has been spared jail after it emerged he just forgot where he parked following a drug and booze bender.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Nathan Paul McKeown sparked a manhunt in Australia after declaring, “thieves” stole his Toyota HiLux with the German Shepherd Arnie in the back in November.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Brisbane, concocted the lie and first told it to his wife, who believed him, before he reported the car stolen to police, spearheaded an appeal, and put up €3,500 for the dog's return.

But this was all to mask a massive barhopping session.