Celebrity Dog With 1.5 Million Followers Stolen, Sold For Meat; Heartbroken Owner Seeks Justice

New Delhi: For many people, pets are more than just animals, but a part of the family. People spend years with them and develop a deeply emotional bond. Now, a tragic story has emerged in China, involving a popular pet dog, Border Collie, Chutou – a social media sensation with more than 1.5 million followers, was stolen, sold, and its meat was later served in a restaurant. 

What did the owner say?

The dog's owner, a Chinese travel vlogger is seeking justice but faces legal difficulties. The case occurred in Henan Province, China, where vlogger Guo spent years travelling with Chutou, documenting their adventures online and building a large fan base. This breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and friendly nature. The dog accompanied Guo on his travels across the country for several years, traveling from snowy mountains to deserts, often standing guard outside his den at night.

Was the dog popular?

The dog became a familiar face to followers who had watched him grow from a puppy into a well-known internet personality. People loved its videos and photos, and as a result, it had amassed over 1.5 million followers on social media. Guo said he bought the dog from a street vendor in 2018. At that time, it was just a three-month-old puppy.

Disappeared during a trip abroad?

Guo recently traveled to Georgia, leaving the dog with her parents. On May 11, her father noticed that the dog was missing from the farm. CCTV footage later revealed that two strangers arrived on an electric bike and took the dog with them. Seeing this, Guo abandoned her trip and immediately returned to China.

Was Guo able to find the dog?

After reviewing surveillance footage, the family allegedly saw two individuals taking Chutou away on an electric bike.

On May 26, he tracked down a man suspected of taking the dog and even offered 10,000 yuan (around Rs 1.4 lakh) in exchange for Chutou’s return. The man reportedly claimed that he believed Chutou was a stray and said the dog followed him after being called. Guo disputed that account, pointing out that Chutou had been wearing a collar and a tracking device while resting on the family’s land.

During the investigation, Guo learned that the dog had been sold to a dog meat restaurant for just 180 yuan, or about $25. There, it was slaughtered and its meat served to customers. When Guo demanded an explanation, the accused showed no remorse. He reportedly said, “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.”

Guo later went to the restaurant where his dog had been slaughtered. He hoped to find the dog's skin or some remains, but the worker there told him that everything had already been thrown away.

Is the biggest challenge law?

Guo has filed a police complaint and provided evidence of the dog's value. However, laws regarding pets in China are quite limited, and pets are often treated like property. According to experts, criminal action in a theft case can only be taken if the value of the stolen property exceeds 2,000 yuan. In this case, Guo will have to prove that Chuto's value exceeded the legal limit.

How are people reacting?

After the incident came to light, there was widespread outrage on social media. Many people shared old videos of Chutou and demanded strict action against the culprits. This incident has reignited the debate about the dog meat trade and the safety of pets in China. Currently, Guo is fighting for justice for her pet companion, while millions of people are standing in support of her.