Celebrity Border Collie With 1.5 Million Followers Allegedly Stolen And Sold For Just S$34 In China
A well-known border collie with more than 1.5 million social media followers in China was allegedly stolen from its owner’s family farm before being sold to a dog meat eatery for just S$34, sparking outrage among animal lovers and online communities.
The dog, named Chutou, belonged to travel content creator Guo, who had spent years documenting his adventures across China with the intelligent canine companion. Their videos attracted a large following on Chinese social media platforms and helped turn Chutou into a recognised online personality.
The eight-year-old border collie reportedly disappeared on May 11 while Guo was travelling overseas. The influencer had left Chutou in the care of his parents while he embarked on a solo road trip to Georgia.
Owner Ends Overseas Trip To Search For Missing Pet
According to reports, Guo’s father realised the dog was missing from the family’s fields and reviewed surveillance footage from the area. The recordings allegedly showed two individuals taking Chutou away on an electric bicycle.
Upon learning that his pet had vanished, Guo immediately cut short his overseas trip and returned to China to begin searching for the dog.
The influencer had purchased Chutou as a puppy in 2018 for more than 2,000 yuan, approximately S$380 at current exchange rates. Over the years, the pair travelled extensively together, with their adventures attracting more than 1.5 million followers online.
Determined to recover his pet, Guo eventually tracked down the man suspected of taking the dog. He reportedly even offered 10,000 yuan, equivalent to around S$1,900, in exchange for Chutou’s safe return.
Alleged Thief Claims Dog Was A Stray
The man allegedly denied intentionally stealing the animal and claimed he believed Chutou was a stray dog. According to reports, he said the border collie approached him after being called.
Guo disputed this account, pointing out that Chutou had been resting on private farmland and was wearing both a collar and a tracking device at the time of its disappearance.
The situation took a devastating turn when the suspect allegedly informed Guo that the dog had already been sold to a dog meat restaurant for 180 yuan, approximately S$34.
According to reports, the man claimed the animal had subsequently been slaughtered and consumed.
When Guo confronted staff at the eatery in hopes of recovering some remains or personal belongings connected to his pet, he was reportedly told that any remains had already been discarded.
Legal Challenges Highlight Animal Protection Gap
Guo has since filed a police report and submitted evidence relating to the dog’s value in an attempt to pursue criminal action.
However, legal experts noted that China’s laws surrounding companion animals remain limited. Theft cases generally require property to exceed a specific value threshold before criminal charges can be pursued.
While lawyers indicated that compensation for direct financial losses may be possible, proving the commercial value of Chutou’s online fame or claiming damages for emotional distress could be significantly more challenging.
The case has reignited discussions about animal welfare laws in China, where no nationwide legislation specifically protects companion animals. Although dogs were removed from China’s livestock catalogue in 2020 and several cities have banned the consumption of dogs and cats, no countrywide prohibition currently exists.
As the investigation continues, the story of Chutou has drawn widespread sympathy online, with many social media users calling for stronger legal protections for pets and harsher penalties for those who harm companion animals.