A beloved celebrity dog in China, an eight-year-old Border Collie with more than 1.5 million adoring fans on Douyin, was snatched from his owner's family farm, peddled to a restaurant for pocket change, and slaughtered for meat while his heartbroken owner was overseas.
Chutou, the internet sensation known for his smarts, boundless energy, and gentle demeanor, traveled the country with travel influencer Guo, racking up millions of views as the pair documented their road trips. Guo bought the pup as a three-month-old for about $300 back in 2018 after spotting him roadside.
But while Guo was on a solo adventure in Georgia this May, disaster struck back home in Ningling County, Henan province. Chutou vanished from his dad's care on the family's farmland. Surveillance footage captured two strangers on an electric bike snatching the collared pooch and speeding off with him hidden under a cover.
Guo raced to track down the culprit, offering a $1,500 reward for his dog's safe return. What he got instead was a gut-wrenching confession: Chutou had already been sold for a measly 180 yuan, about $27, to a dog meat dealer and then eaten at a restaurant.
"The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law," the alleged thief and his family allegedly sneered, claiming they mistook the friendly, collared dog for a stray who "followed" them.
Guo confronted the restaurant worker who allegedly slaughtered Chutou, desperately hoping to recover some remains or fur, but it was too late. Police in Ningling County have opened an investigation, but the devastated owner says he's hitting a wall because of China's weak pet protection laws, which treat animals more like property than family members.
The horrifying case has ignited fury across Chinese social media and beyond, shining a fresh spotlight on the country's controversial dog meat trade. Guo has vowed to push for justice and refuses any mediation or settlement.
