The $10,000 price on Chutou's head

A beloved social media canine star, Chutou, an eight-year-old Border Collie, was allegedly kidnapped from his home, sold to a restaurant, and slaughtered for meat. Chutou and his owner, travel influencer Guo, were internet celebrities in China, amassing over 1.5 million followers on Douyin.

According to the South China Morning Post, Guo left Chutou with his parents before a solo trip.. The dog disappeared on May 11, with surveillance footage showing two men taking him on an electric bike. After returning, Guo searched and located the alleged thief, ofefring 10,000 yuan for Chutou's return.

The man claimed he thought the dog was a stray.. Guo was later informed Chutou had been sold to a restaurant for 180 yuan and eaten. Guo confronted the restaurant worker , who allegedly said the dog's hair had been thrown in the rubbish.

Guo reported the case to police and provided evidence of Chutou's market value.

Police in Ningling County, Henan province, have opened an investigation.

China's dog meat trade: a majority opposes it

The incident sparked online outrage and renewed debate over China's dog meat trade. While some cities have banned consumption, there is no comprehensive national law protecting companion animals, and millinos of dogs and cats are killed annually for meat in China.

Surveys show a majority of Chinese citizens oppose the dog meat trade and have never consumed dog meat themselves.

Guo's quest for justice

Guo's determination to find Chutou and bring the perpetrators to justice has sparked a national conversation about the dog meat trade in China.

As the investigation unfolds,Guo's case has highlighted the need for stronger laws to protect companion animals in China .

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The incident has also raised questions about the lack of regulation in the dog meat trade, with many restaurants and slaughterhouses operating with impunity.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the dog meat trade is a multi-billion dollar industry in China, with many restaurants and slaughterhouses operating in secret.

As the investigation continues, Guo's case has sparked a national conversation about the need for stronger laws to protect companion animals in China.

According to the South China Morning Post, Guo's case has sparked a national conversation about the need for stronger laws to protect companion animals in China.