Influencer Claims They Were Told to ‘Stop Making a Fuss’ After Their Dog Was Allegedly Stolen and Sold for Consumption

An alarming incident involving the popular social media canine Chutou has reignited discussions surrounding animal protection laws in China and the contentious dog meat trade. The Border Collie, owned by the travel influencer Guo, boasts a significant following of 1.58 million on the Douyin platform, where the pair have captivated audiences with their adventures across the country.

Chutou’s ordeal began on May 11, when he was allegedly abducted from his family’s farmland in Henan province. Guo had been away on a solo road trip, leaving his father in charge of the pet. Upon discovering the dog’s disappearance from their yard, Guo’s father immediately took action. Security footage later revealed that Chutou was taken away by two unidentified individuals on an electric bike.

In the aftermath of the theft, Guo cut his trip short and returned home to search for his beloved pet. With the help of local volunteers and officials, he tirelessly pursued leads. By May 26, Guo contacted the individual he believed to be responsible for Chutou’s theft and offered a substantial reward of 10,000 yuan (approximately £1,500) for the dog’s return. The man claimed he had confused Chutou for a stray, an explanation Guo dismissed as implausible due to the dog’s collar and GPS tracker.

The situation took a tragic turn when Guo discovered that Chutou had been sold to a dog dealer for a mere 26 yuan (around £3) just days after his abduction. Reports indicate that the popular dog was subsequently slaughtered for meat. When Guo confronted the butcher at the restaurant where Chutou had been taken, hoping to at least recover his pet’s remains, he received a devastating response: the remains had been discarded long ago.

Adding to the distress, the man who allegedly facilitated the theft expressed no remorse, insisting that he had not committed a crime and dismissed Guo’s grief with the remark, “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss.” This indifferent attitude only deepened the anger felt by animal rights advocates and the wider public.

This tragic case highlights the significant gaps in animal welfare legislation across China. Currently, there are no laws in place that specifically protect pets from abuse or theft. Legal experts have pointed out that the incident has been categorised as property theft, and in order for criminal charges to be pursued, the value of the stolen property must exceed 2,000 yuan (approximately £250). Establishing the worth of Chutou as a prominent social media figure and the emotional loss experienced by Guo may prove challenging in a legal setting.

The Ningling County Public Security Bureau has initiated an administrative review of the case. Elsewhere, Guo has publicly stated his determination to seek justice for Chutou, declaring that he would reject any form of mediation or private settlement. He has gained immense support from followers and advocates, who have rallied behind his cause amid growing concerns regarding animal rights in the region.

The case has fanned the flames of the ongoing debate relating to China’s dog meat trade. While there is currently no comprehensive ban on the practice, significant changes have occurred in recent years. In 2020, dogs were officially removed from China’s livestock classification, and several cities, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai, have enacted bans against the consumption of dogs and cats.

As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about the treatment of animals in China, highlighting the need for enhanced legal protections that reflect changing societal attitudes towards pets and animal welfare. Chutou’s fate may be sealed, but his story is igniting a much-needed conversation about the rights of animals in China, potentially paving the way for necessary reforms in the future.