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Social media star Border Collie stolen, sold to restaurant for 20 and eaten by diners

8-year-old Border Collie Chutou and his Chinese travel blogger owner, Guo, became internet sensations documenting their adventures on Douyin, China's version of TikTok

[The dog was a social media star]

The dog was a social media star

A border collie, boasting over 1.5 million followers on social media, was stolen, sold to a restaurant and subsequently eaten, claims his owner. The eight year old dog named Chutou and his Chinese travel blogger owner, Guo, shot to internet fame when Guo began sharing their escapades on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok.

On May 11, Chutou vanished while under the care of Guo's father, as Guo was abroad, reports the South China Morning Post. CCTV footage revealed two individuals whisking the dog away from the family home on an electric scooter. In response to the incident, Guo cut his trip short and returned to hunt for Chutou.

After a fortnight, Guo located the man he suspected of abducting Chutou and offered him 10,000 yuan (around $1,500) for the return of his cherished pet, reports the Express US.

[He was stolen from the roadside]

He was stolen from the roadside

However, the blogger was told that the animal had already been sold to a restaurant for 180 yuan (around 20), butchered and consumed, according to the outlet.

The accused maintained that he mistook Chutou for a stray dog. However, Guo countered that his pet was wearing a collar and a GPS tracker.

[He was sold for just 20]

He was sold for just 20

"The dog is dead, so stop making a fuss. I did not break the law," the alleged thief retorted without expressing any remorse.

Guo purchased Chutou in 2018, when Chutou was just three months old, for 2000 yuan ($300). He has reported the incident to the police and is reportedly seeking legal recourse.

[The owner was on holiday at the time]

The owner was on holiday at the time

According to HK01, police in Ningling County, Henan province, have launched an investigation.

The case has also ignited discussions surrounding the nation's animal welfare legislation.

"I cried while watching Chutou's old videos," one social media user penned. "Such a bright, living soul ended so tragically. Those who stole, killed, and ate him must pay."

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