Douyin
A famous Border Collie in China with over 1.58 million followers was allegedly stolen and sold to a dog meat restaurant before being eaten, sparking outrage online.
The dog, named Chutou, belonged to travel influencer Guo from Henan province, China. According to People, Guo often featured Chutou in his travel content, helping the dog become a major star on Douyin.
Chutou reportedly went missing in May while Guo was away on a road trip. The dog had been left in the care of Guo’s father, who later realized Chutou had disappeared from the family’s yard.
After returning home, Guo reviewed surveillance footage and reportedly saw two people taking the dog away on an electric bike. He then began searching for Chutou with help from officials and volunteers.
Celebrity dog reportedly sold to restaurant for $25
According to AsiaOne, Guo later tracked down a man he believed was involved in the alleged theft. The man reportedly claimed he thought Chutou was a stray that had followed him.
Guo rejected that explanation, saying Chutou was wearing a collar and GPS tracker when he disappeared.
It’s alleged the man later admitted that Chutou had been sold to a dog dealer for 180 yuan, which is around $25. Guo then learned the dog had allegedly been resold to a restaurant, slaughtered, and eaten.
When Guo confronted the person who killed the dog, he reportedly hoped to recover Chutou’s remains but was told they had already been thrown away.
The alleged thief and his family reportedly refused to apologize, with AsiaOne reporting that they told Guo: “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.”
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Douyin
The Ningling County Public Security Bureau has reportedly opened an administrative case into the incident. Guo said in a May 31 Douyin post that he would not accept mediation or a private settlement, adding that he intends to pursue the case legally.
The case has also reignited debate over animal protection laws in China, where reports say the incident is being handled as a property theft case rather than under separate domestic pet protection laws.
Earlier this year in China, a group of seven stolen dogs went viral for reportedly escaping from a truck and making a 10-mile journey home.
