A beloved Border Collie with over 1.5 million followers on social media was stolen, sold to a restaurant, and subsequently eaten, according to his devastated owner. The eight-year-old dog named Chutou and his owner, Chinese travel blogger Guo, became internet sensations after documenting their adventures on Douyin, China's version of TikTok.
Chutou vanished on 11 May while under the care of Guo's father during the owner's overseas trip, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Surveillance footage allegedly captured two individuals taking the dog on an electric scooter from the family home, prompting Guo to cut short his journey and return to search for his cherished pet.
Two weeks later, Guo claimed he located a suspect in the theft and offered 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,500) for Chutou's return. However, the blogger was informed that the animal had already been sold to a restaurant for 180 yuan ($27), slaughtered, and consumed. The alleged thief asserted he mistook Chutou for a stray dog, but Guo noted that his pet was wearing a collar and a GPS tracker at the time.
Offering no apology, the man reportedly said, "The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law." Guo, who purchased Chutou in 2018 as a three-month-old puppy for 2,000 yuan ($300), has reported the incident to the police and is pursuing legal action. Police in Ningling County, Henan province, have launched an investigation, according to HK01.
The case has ignited widespread outrage online in China and revived debate over the country's animal welfare laws. "I cried while watching Chutou's old videos," one social media user wrote. "Such a bright, living soul ended so tragically. Those who stole, killed and ate him must pay."
According to Humane Society International (HSI), an estimated 10 million dogs are killed annually for China's dog meat trade, though less than 20 per cent of the population consumes it. A 2016 nationwide survey indicated that a majority of Chinese citizens believe the dog meat trade should be completely banned, with nearly 70 per cent of respondents never having eaten it, despite promotional efforts by traders.
While some Chinese cities have banned the consumption of dogs and cats, the country lacks comprehensive national companion-animal protection laws, and pets are generally treated as property under the law.
