Influencer Says Authorities Told Them to “Stop Making a Fuss” After Dog Was Allegedly Stolen and Sold for Consumption

 

Famous Border Collie “Chutou” Allegedly Stolen and Sold to Dog Meat Trade for $25: Owner Seeks Justice

An online-famous Border Collie known as Chutou, who has built a massive following of over 1.58 million fans on China’s Douyin platform, has reportedly been stolen from his family’s farmland and sold to a dog meat restaurant for the equivalent of around $25, sparking outrage online and a growing call for justice. According to reports from Asia One and the South China Morning Post, the dog belongs to travel influencer Guo from Henan province, China, who has gained popularity by documenting journeys across the country with Chutou as his companion. The incident has triggered widespread concern among animal lovers and social media users, as Guo reportedly searches for answers and accountability over how the beloved pet disappeared and ended up in such tragic circumstances.

Viral Border Collie “Chutou” Allegedly Stolen and Sold for Meat: Owner Rejects Settlement and Demands Legal Action

The case involving the popular Border Collie Chutou has sparked widespread outrage after new details emerged about the alleged theft and tragic outcome of the incident in Henan province, China. Chutou, who had more than 1.58 million followers on Douyin alongside his owner, travel influencer Guo, was reportedly taken from the family’s farmland on Monday, May 11, while Guo was away on a solo road trip.

According to reports cited by Asia One and the South China Morning Post, Guo’s father discovered the dog missing, and surveillance footage allegedly showed two individuals carrying Chutou away on an electric bike. The dog was said to be wearing a collar and GPS tracker at the time of disappearance, prompting a nationwide search once Guo returned home.

Later, Guo reportedly contacted a man he believes was involved in the theft and offered 10,000 yuan (around $1,500) to return the dog. The suspect allegedly claimed he mistook Chutou for a stray, but Guo rejected this explanation. He later learned that the dog had been sold to a dealer for just over $26 and was subsequently resold and slaughtered, according to SCMP reporting.

Guo has refused to accept any mediation, stating publicly on Douyin that he intends to pursue the case through legal channels. Authorities have since opened an administrative case, though the investigation is being treated under property theft laws, as China currently lacks comprehensive national animal cruelty protections. Legal experts cited in reports note that prosecution may depend on whether the animal’s value exceeds the required threshold of 2,000 yuan.

The case has also reignited debate over China’s dog meat trade, which remains legal in certain regions despite growing public opposition. While dogs were removed from China’s livestock classification in 2020 and several cities have banned their consumption, the incident has highlighted ongoing legal and ethical gaps in animal protection laws, fueling renewed calls for reform and stronger safeguards for pets like Chutou.