China's internet-famous border collie with 1.5 million followers allegedly stolen, sold for $27, and eaten — outrage follows

What began as a missing pet case has now turned into one of China's most heartbreaking online stories. Chutou, a border collie known to millions through travel videos across China, disappeared while his owner was overseas.

Weeks later, the influencer behind the account allegedly discovered a devastating chain of events that has sparked grief, anger, and renewed conversations around animal welfare laws. The case has since exploded across social media, with many followers mourning the loss of one of Douyin's most recognizable pet influencers.


Chutou was not just another internet-famous dog. The border collie, who reportedly had more than 1.5 million followers on Douyin, became popular after owner Guo - a travel influencer from Henan province - regularly documented their journeys across China together.

According to reports, Guo purchased Chutou in 2018 when the dog was just three months old for 2,000 yuan. Over the years, the pair built a massive audience, turning travel content into a loyal online community centered around the energetic dog.

The incident reportedly began on May 11 while Guo was traveling overseas and Chutou was staying with his father. According to local reports, surveillance footage allegedly captured two individuals taking the dog away on an electric scooter from outside the home.

The footage reportedly prompted Guo to cut his trip short and immediately return home to search for his pet. As days passed without answers, the influencer allegedly began investigating possible leads himself.


According to multiple reports, Guo contacted a man he suspected was involved on May 26 and reportedly offered 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,500) for Chutou's return.

Information gathered during the search allegedly revealed that Chutou had first been sold to a dog dealer for 180 yuan (around $27) on May 14, according to the South China Morning Post.

Reports further claimed the dog was later resold to a restaurant, slaughtered, and eaten. The suspect reportedly claimed he believed Chutou was a stray dog.

However, Guo disputed that explanation, telling followers on Douyin that the dog had been wearing a collar and also carried a GPS tracker - although reports state the tracker battery had died.

Public reaction online was immediate. Many users expressed outrage not only over the allegations themselves but also over what they say are gaps in legal protections for companion animals.

While some cities across China have introduced restrictions on dog and cat consumption, there remains no comprehensive nationwide companion-animal protection law. Existing legal frameworks generally categorize pets as property.

Police in Ningling County, Henan province, have reportedly opened an investigation, according to HK01. Meanwhile, Guo is said to be pursuing legal action.


For followers who had spent years watching Chutou’s travel adventures, the emotional reaction has been overwhelming. One social media user said: "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."

As investigations continue, Chutou's story has evolved beyond the disappearance of an internet-famous dog - becoming a wider conversation about pet safety, legal protections, and how companion animals are treated.