A beloved influencer dog in China, with a social media following of 1.5 million, has been allegedly stolen, sold for meat, and served to customers at a restaurant. The dog, named Chutou, was a Border Collie known for its online presence on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Its owner, identified as Guo, had left the dog with his parents while traveling abroad. On May 11, Guo received news that Chutou had vanished.
CCTV Footage Shows Theft
CCTV footage captured two individuals grabbing Chutou and escaping on an electric scooter. Upon learning of the disappearance, Guo cut his trip short and tracked down one of the alleged thieves. Confronting the man, Guo discovered that Chutou had been sold to a dog meat restaurant for 180 yuan, equivalent to £20. The dog was subsequently butchered, cooked, and consumed by customers, with the remains discarded, leaving Guo with no way to remember his pet.
Thief Claims Mistaken Identity
The alleged thief told Guo, "The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law." He claimed he mistook Chutou for a stray dog, a statement Guo disputes because the dog was wearing a collar and a GPS tracker. When Guo visited the restaurant, staff informed him that any remains had been thrown in the trash long ago.
In a video, Guo expressed his grief, saying, "I'm sorry, Chutou. I can't forgive myself, and I can't forgive the thieves." He is now pursuing legal action against the thief. The Ningling County Public Security Bureau in Shangqiu, Henan province, has opened an investigation into the alleged dog abduction.
Dog Meat Consumption in China
While the practice of eating dog meat is declining, it still occurs in rural parts of China, including Hunan and Guangxi. Dogs were domesticated in China during the Stone Age and have historically been a protein source. The annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival, a 10-day event in Guangxi, sees thousands of dogs consumed. Organizers claim humane treatment, but animal rights activists allege cruelty. Younger generations in urban areas largely condemn the practice.
