A social media star Border Collie named Chutou has allegedly been stolen, sold to a dog meat restaurant for around $25, slaughtered, and eaten.
The story comes via Asia One, which reports that the “celebrity dog” was owned by a Henan province travel influencer named Guo, whose content featured him travelling around China with his adorable companion, who had been by his side for nine years since he was a puppy.
Their partnership was a hit, with People reporting that the pair had achieved 1.58 million followers on the Chinese social media app Douyin.
The Asia One report details how Guo took an overseas trip on May 11 and left Chutou in the care of his father. His father then took Chutou with him while he worked in the fields, but when he returned to his vehicle, the dog was missing.
On learning that Chutou had disappeared, Guo immediately returned from his trip, launched a social media campaign to find him, and offered a 5000 yuan (around $740) reward for his safe return. Then he reviewed some CCTV footage, which showed Chutou being snatched by a couple on an electric scooter.
Guo identified the man, tracked him down in a nearby village, and on May 26, confronted the couple and asked where Chutou was. The man is reported to have first denied having anything to do with Chutou’s disappearance, but relented when shown the CCTV footage. He then confessed that he’d sold Chutou to a dog meat dealer on May 14.
“The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss”
The alleged thief denied any wrongdoing, saying he’d assumed Chutou was a stray. Guo pointed out that Chutou was wearing a collar and a GPS tracker, to which the alleged thief is reported to have said: “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.”
Guo then tracked down the “dog dealer”, who confirmed that Chutou had been slaughtered and eaten. Guo couldn’t even get Chutou’s remains back, as the butcher told him what was left had been “thrown in the rubbish long ago.”
Guo has said he will refuse any mediation or settlement in this case and seeks justice for his beloved pet. In a message reposted in a TikTok video by Asia One, he said:
“I’m sorry Chutou. I can’t forgive myself and I can’t forgive the thieves.”
The video also reports that in a May 31 post, he said “I intend to pursue the matter legally” and thanked supporters for their “attention, support and solidarity.” An official investigation is underway.
Published: Jun 5, 2026 10:29 am