Celebrities' Pet Dog Stolen in China, Sold for Meat at Local Market

Chinese Travel Influencer Seeks Justice for Beloved Dog Stolen, Sold, and Slaughtered

A heart-wrenching incident has unfolded in China, reigniting debate over the legal protections available to companion animals in the country. Guo, a content creator from Henan province, has launched a fight for justice after discovering that his missing pet dog, Chutou, was allegedly stolen, sold, and slaughtered.

Chutou, an eight-year-old Border Collie, was a social media favourite with over 1.5 million followers. Guo had spent years documenting their adventures across China, showcasing the dog's intelligence, calm temperament, and close bond with his owner. The dog had even accompanied Guo on journeys through deserts, mountains, and remote regions, often standing guard outside his owner's tent during overnight stays.

According to reports, Guo purchased Chutou from a street vendor in 2018 for more than 2,000 yuan (approximately Rs 24,000), when the dog was just three months old. The incident unfolded while Guo was travelling alone in Georgia, and Chutou was left under the care of Guo's parents in China.

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However, the dog's disappearance was discovered when Guo's father found that Chutou had vanished from the family's farmland. Security camera footage later showed two men taking Chutou away on an electric scooter. Guo returned to China to search for his pet, only to find that the dog had been sold to a restaurant dealing in dog meat for 180 yuan (approximately Rs 2,200) and had already been killed and consumed.

Guo was offered no apology by the accused individual or his family, with the suspect allegedly claiming that he believed the animal was a stray. Guo disputed this account, stating that Chutou had been wearing a collar and a tracking device and was resting on family-owned land when he disappeared.

Theft Case Proceeds as Criminal Matter

If authorities accept the valuation of Chutou's financial worth, the suspect could potentially face a theft charge carrying a prison sentence of up to three years. According to lawyer Du Wei of Sichuan Weixu Law Firm, theft cases can generally proceed as criminal matters if the value of the stolen property exceeds 2,000 yuan (around Rs 24,000).

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However, establishing the dog's commercial worth as a social media personality or quantifying emotional suffering may prove considerably more difficult. The case has highlighted the limited legal protections available to pets in China, with the country currently having no dedicated national law covering companion animal welfare.

Renewed Scrutiny of China's Dog Meat Trade

News of Chutou's death has sparked widespread anger online, with many social media users expressing sympathy for Guo and calling for tougher measures against those involved. The incident has also renewed scrutiny of China's dog meat trade, with some cities introducing local bans on the consumption of dogs and cats. However, dog meat remains available in certain areas where it continues to be regarded as a traditional food product.

The issue remains particularly contentious in Yulin, where a dog meat festival has been held annually around June since approximately 2010.