Kenneth Glad
An online pet story has become a public fight over responsibility. Many viewers are asking whether current rules do enough when an animal is taken and killed.
Chutou, an eight-year-old Border Collie owned by Chinese travel influencer Guo, was known to more than 1.5 million followers on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, according to People.
Guo had built part of his online identity around travelling with the dog. Their videos showed Chutou as a steady companion, not simply a pet appearing in the background.
That public bond made the dog’s disappearance on May 11 feel personal to many followers.
The search ended painfully
Chutou vanished while Guo was away and his father was caring for him at the family property.
Reports said surveillance footage showed two people taking the dog away on an electric scooter. Guo returned early and began searching.
He later contacted a man he believed was involved and offered about €1,300 for Chutou’s return.
Instead, Guo was allegedly told the dog had been sold for about €23 to a restaurant, where he was allegedly killed and eaten.
The account was challenged
The accused man reportedly said he thought Chutou was a stray. Guo rejected that explanation, saying the dog had a collar and GPS tracker.
“The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law,” the alleged thief reportedly said.
Guo also tried to recover remains, but was allegedly told “the hair was thrown in the rubbish long ago.”
The anger moved beyond one owner
According to People, the Ningling County Public Security Bureau opened an administrative case.
The story spread because viewers had followed Chutou’s life for years. For them, the loss was tied to memory, habit and the emotional weight of watching an animal become part of someone’s daily journey.
The case has also renewed debate over pet theft, restaurant sales involving dogs and the limited legal protection available for companion animals in China.
Guo has said he will not accept a private settlement and is seeking legal action over Chutou’s death.
Sources: People
