A popular Chinese travel influencer is at the centre of a distressing controversy after claiming his widely followed pet dog was stolen from a rural home and later ended up being served as food in a restaurant.
The case has triggered anger online and reignited debate over the country’s dog meat trade.
Viral Pet and Owner Drew Huge Online Following
The influencer, Guo from Henan province, built a strong online audience by documenting his journeys across China alongside his eight-year-old Border Collie, Chutou.
The pair became social media favourites on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, where they reportedly attracted more than 1.5 million followers.
Chutou was not just a travel companion but a constant presence in Guo’s adventures—accompanying him through harsh mountain conditions, desert expeditions, and overnight camping trips where the dog was often shown keeping watch outside the tent.
Guo originally bought the puppy in 2018 from a street vendor for just over 2,000 yuan (around £221), and over the years the dog became known in his videos for intelligence, calm temperament, and loyalty.
Dog Disappears While Left with Family
According to reports first published by the South China Morning Post, Guo had left Chutou in the care of his parents while he travelled alone to Georgia. It was during this period, on May 11, that the dog allegedly went missing.
Surveillance footage is said to have captured two individuals taking the animal away on an electric scooter, raising immediate suspicion that the dog had been stolen rather than lost.
Allegations of Theft, Sale, and Slaughter
Weeks later, Guo reportedly tracked down a suspect he believed was involved in the disappearance and even offered a reward of 10,000 yuan (about £1,100) for the dog’s return.
The man allegedly claimed he believed the dog was a stray, but Guo disputed this, pointing out that Chutou had been wearing a collar and GPS device.
The situation escalated when Guo was allegedly informed that the dog had already been sold for around 180 yuan (approximately £20) to a restaurant known for serving dog meat.
Guo is said to have confronted individuals linked to the case, including a worker at the establishment, in an attempt to recover any remains.
He was reportedly told that nothing could be retrieved, with claims that even the dog’s fur had been discarded.
Police Investigation and Public Backlash
Outraged by the incident, Guo filed a complaint with police in Ningling County, Henan province, submitting evidence related to the dog’s ownership and estimated value in hopes of pursuing criminal charges.
Authorities have since opened an investigation, according to local reports.
One of the individuals accused in the case allegedly dismissed responsibility, insisting that the animal was already dead and denying wrongdoing, further fuelling public anger.
Online Grief and Renewed Debate on Dog Meat Trade
News of the alleged killing has spread rapidly across Chinese social media, where users expressed grief and outrage, many recalling Chutou’s appearances in Guo’s travel videos.
Supporters of the influencer described the dog as a “bright and gentle companion” whose life ended unfairly.
The case has also reopened long-running discussions about China’s dog meat consumption practices.
While several cities have introduced restrictions on eating dogs and cats, there is still no nationwide law classifying companion animals as protected pets, meaning they are often treated as property under the law.
Animal welfare groups estimate that millions of dogs are still slaughtered annually for consumption in the country, though surveys suggest public appetite for the practice is declining, with a majority of respondents in past studies saying they oppose it or rarely consume dog meat.
As the investigation continues, the incident has become another flashpoint in the growing clash between traditional practices, evolving public attitudes, and animal welfare advocacy in China.
