A popular internet-famous dog in China, followed by more than 1.5 million people on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, became the center of a disturbing case that has drawn widespread attention. The 8-year-old Border Collie named Chutou, known for its online popularity, was taken from a family farm, sold for a small amount, and later killed at a restaurant the same day.
The incident took place on May 11 at a farm in Shanqui, China. Chutou was staying with family members while Chinese travel influencer Guo was away. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a man and a woman arriving on an electric scooter and taking the dog from the property.
Once the dog was discovered missing, the family contacted local authorities and issued a reward in hopes of finding Chutou. Panic quickly grew as the search expanded across nearby areas.
Traced Sale and Disturbing Admission
After returning from travel, Guo located the suspects in a nearby village. The pair allegedly stated they believed the dog was a stray and admitted to selling it to a dog trader for 180 yuan, approximately $26.50.
One of the individuals involved reportedly said, “The dog is dead, stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.” The statement added to public outrage as details of the case spread.
Guo later explained that Chutou held significant personal and public value, estimating the dog’s worth at around $10,000 due to its online following and popularity.
Investigations revealed that Chutou had already been resold to a restaurant where it was slaughtered and eaten on the same day. When Guo confronted the butcher, the response was equally unsettling, with a claim that “the hair was thrown in the rubbish long ago.”
The case has prompted renewed discussion around animal protection laws in China, where no nationwide ban on eating dog meat exists and pets are largely treated as property under current regulations.
The loss of Chutou, a widely followed social media pet, has sparked emotional reactions and legal action efforts from the owner seeking criminal charges and compensation. The case continues to highlight gaps in animal protection policies and raises questions about the safety of companion animals in regions without specific legal safeguards.
