Beloved Social Media Canine Reportedly Killed for Meat
A widely recognized dog, known for its extensive online following, has allegedly been stolen from a farm and subsequently served as a dish in a Chinese restaurant. The canine, Chutou, an eight-year-old Border Collie, was a prominent figure alongside his owner, Chinese travel influencer Guo.
Together, Guo and Chutou garnered over 1.5 million followers on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok. The dog had been a constant companion to Guo for years, accompanying him on diverse adventures across China, from remote camping expeditions in snowy mountains to arid desert terrains. Chutou was often seen keeping watch outside Guo’s tent during overnight stays.
Disappearance and Suspected Theft
According to reports, Guo recently left Chutou in the care of his parents to embark on a solo road trip. The dog reportedly went missing on May 11. Surveillance footage is said to show two individuals taking Chutou away on an electric bicycle.
Upon returning to China to search for his missing pet, Guo reportedly located an individual accused of Chutou’s abduction on May 26. Guo is said to have offered 10,000 yuan (approximately £1,100) for the dog’s safe return. The accused individual claimed he mistook Chutou for a stray. However, Guo reportedly rejected this explanation, pointing out that the dog was wearing a collar and a GPS tracker.
Alleged Sale and Tragic Outcome
Guo was later informed that Chutou had allegedly been sold to a restaurant that serves dog meat for 180 yuan (around £20). Reports indicate that the beloved pet was consumed.
Guo, who originally purchased Chutou as a puppy in 2018 from a street vendor, had regularly documented his travels with the intelligent and energetic Border Collie. The dog was known for its gentle temperament in the videos shared online.
Confrontation and Investigation
In an attempt to recover any remains or fur, Guo reportedly confronted the restaurant worker accused of slaughtering Chutou. The butcher allegedly stated that the dog’s hair had already been discarded.
Following the incident, a devastated Guo reportedly filed a report with the police, submitting evidence of Chutou’s market value in hopes of initiating criminal charges. Authorities in Ningling County, Henan province, have reportedly launched an investigation into the matter.
Public Outcry and Dog Meat Trade Debate
The case has ignited widespread public outrage online, reigniting discussions surrounding the dog meat trade in China. Social media users have expressed profound sadness and anger over Chutou’s fate, with many calling for accountability for those involved.
While some Chinese cities have implemented bans on the consumption of dogs and cats, the nation lacks a comprehensive national companion-animal protection law. This legal landscape means that pets are often treated as property.
Estimates suggest that approximately 10 million dogs and four million cats are killed annually in China for human consumption. Despite the existence of the dog meat trade, surveys indicate that a significant portion of the Chinese population does not regularly consume dog meat. Moreover, a substantial majority have expressed a desire to see the Yulin dog meat festival ended and the broader dog meat trade banned.
