A Heartbreaking Story of a Beloved Pet
A Border Collie named Chutou, who had more than 1.5 million followers on social media, was stolen, sold to a restaurant, and then eaten, according to his distraught owner. The dog became an internet sensation after his owner, a Chinese travel blogger named Guo, started documenting their adventures on Douyin, the country’s version of TikTok.
Chutou went missing on 11 May while being cared for by Guo’s father during one of the owner’s overseas trips. Surveillance footage reportedly showed two people taking the dog away on an electric scooter from the family home. This prompted the blogger to cut short his trip and return to search for his beloved pet.
Two weeks later, Guo claimed he tracked down a man he suspected of the theft and offered 10,000 yuan (about $1,500) to get Chutou back. However, according to reports, the blogger was told the animal had already been sold to a restaurant for 180 yuan ($27), slaughtered, and eaten.
The alleged thief reportedly claimed he mistook Chutou for a stray dog, but Guo stated that his pet had been wearing a collar and a GPS tracker. The man allegedly refused to apologize, saying, “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.”
Guo, who purchased Chutou in 2018 when the dog was a three-month-old puppy for 2000 yuan ($300), reported the case to the police and is pursuing legal action. Police in Ningling County in Henan province have opened an investigation, according to HK01.
A Growing Concern for Animal Welfare
The case has sparked widespread outrage online in China and has reignited debate over the country’s animal welfare laws. Social media users expressed their grief, with one writing, “I cried while watching Chutou’s old videos. Such a bright, living soul ended so tragically. Those who stole, killed and ate him must pay.”
An estimated 10 million dogs are killed each year for China’s dog meat trade, which is consumed by less than 20 per cent of the population, according to Humane Society International (HSI). A nationwide survey in 2016 suggested that a majority of Chinese citizens believe the dog meat trade should be completely banned, with nearly 70 per cent of those polled having never eaten it—despite efforts by traders to promote it.
While some Chinese cities have banned the consumption of dogs and cats, the country lacks a comprehensive national companion-animal protection law, and pets are generally treated as property. This lack of legal protection has led to concerns about the treatment of animals in the country.
The Need for Change
The case of Chutou highlights the urgent need for stronger animal welfare laws in China. With the growing awareness of animal rights and the increasing number of pet owners, there is a pressing demand for better protection and stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
As the debate continues, many hope that this tragic incident will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to improved treatment of animals and greater public awareness of the issues surrounding the dog meat trade. The story of Chutou serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and the need for accountability in protecting vulnerable animals.
