Kenneth Glad
The case has turned a private loss into a wider legal dispute. It has renewed questions about how the system values animals kept as family companions.
After learning that his Border Collie Chutou had allegedly been stolen, sold, and slaughtered, Chinese travel influencer Guo said he would not accept mediation or a private settlement.
He has instead vowed to pursue legal action in a case testing how far China’s property-based rules can go when a pet is also a longtime companion and source of public income.
According to AsiaOne, Chutou became a familiar presence on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, through Guo’s travel videos. Guo had owned the Border Collie since he was a puppy, and the pair’s journeys helped attract more than 1.5 million followers.
The dog vanished on May 11 while Guo was away and his family was caring for him in Henan province.
South China Morning Post reported that surveillance video later showed two people taking Chutou away on an electric bike.
Rushed home to find him
Guo cut short his trip and returned home to search for the dog. He posted appeals online, offered reward money, and worked with police as supporters followed the case on social media.
The inquiry changed after Guo confronted a man he believed was involved. AsiaOne reported that the man first claimed he had mistaken Chutou for a stray, saying the dog followed after being called.
Guo rejected that account because Chutou had been on family land and was wearing a collar and tracker. He later learned the dog had allegedly been sold for 180 yuan (about €22) to a dog dealer before being resold and killed.
According to South China Morning Post, when Guo tried to recover Chutou’s remains, a worker said, “The hair was thrown in the rubbish long ago.”
Refuses to settle
The alleged thief reportedly offered no apology. The man was quoted as saying: “The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law.”
For Guo, the dispute is not only about the money allegedly exchanged after Chutou disappeared. His public comments have framed the case as a demand for accountability after years of companionship and shared online recognition.
Legal experts cited by South China Morning Post said theft cases can become criminal matters only when the property value exceeds 2,000 yuan (about €240). That makes Chutou’s celebrity status important, but also difficult to prove in court.
Authorities in Ningling County have opened an administrative case. Guo thanked supporters for their “attention, support and solidarity” and said he intends to keep pursuing the matter legally.
The case has also revived debate over China’s dog meat trade. Dogs are not listed as livestock nationally, and some cities ban eating dogs and cats, but no nationwide ban exists.
Sources: AsiaOne, South China Morning Post
