Wednesday, June 3, 2026-A beloved Border Collie social media star in China, known as Chutou and followed by more than 1.5 million fans online, has been stolen, sold to a dog meat restaurant, and slaughtered, shocking followers and reigniting debates over pet protection laws.
The incident unfolded while the dog’s owner, travel influencer Guo, was abroad; the pet was reportedly left in family care when strangers on an electric bike took Chutou from a rural area in Henan province. Surveillance footage later confirmed the theft, igniting widespread condemnation from netizens who watched the story unfold online.
After tracking the dog’s disappearance, Guo discovered that the thieves sold Chutou for about 180 yuan (around US $25–$34) to a local restaurant where the dog was slaughtered and eaten despite its fame and clear identification with a collar and GPS tracker.
The restaurant worker allegedly dismissed concerns, telling the owner, “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss — I did not break the law.” Guo tried to recover remains but was told the dog’s hair had already been thrown away, compounding his devastation.
The case has fueled fresh debate over China’s weak legal protections for companion animals, where pets are treated as property and theft may only lead to criminal charges if the item’s value exceeds certain thresholds.
Experts say Chutou’s documented market value might qualify for theft charges, yet animal welfare advocates argue this tragedy highlights a broader need for stronger legal safeguards and societal change as viral responses pour in from around the world.
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