A deeply disturbing incident from China’s Henan province has triggered widespread outrage on social media after a celebrity pet dog with over 1.5 million followers was allegedly stolen and killed for meat. The Border Collie, named Chutou, belonged to a well-known travel influencer and had a strong online presence, making the case widely followed even before the tragedy.

According to reports from the South China Morning Post, the eight-year-old dog disappeared on May 11 while the owner, identified as influencer Guo, was on a road trip in Georgia. The dog was reportedly under the care of her parents at the time of the incident. Shortly after its disappearance, CCTV footage revealed that two unidentified men on a motorcycle forcibly took the pet away.

The incident only came to light after Guo returned from her trip and began searching for her dog. Following an investigation, she managed to trace the individuals involved. In a shocking revelation, the accused allegedly admitted that they had mistaken the dog for a stray and sold it to a dog meat restaurant for approximately 25 US dollars (around 2,300 Indian rupees).

Guo reportedly offered money in an attempt to retrieve her pet, but by then it was too late. The accused showed no remorse, allegedly stating that the dog had already been slaughtered and that there was no point in further complaints. In a further disturbing exchange, one of them reportedly told her to stop crying as the dog was already dead and claimed that no law had been violated.

When Guo later visited the restaurant seeking closure, she was told by a butcher that the dog’s remains had already been discarded, adding another layer of distress to the incident.

The case has sparked intense backlash on Chinese social media platforms, with users demanding strict action against those involved. Many have described the incident as cruel and heartbreaking, pointing to the need for stronger animal protection laws in the country. Posts mourning Chutou have gone viral, with users sharing old videos and expressing grief over the pet’s sudden and violent death.

Animal rights advocates have also raised concerns about the broader issue of illegal pet theft and the dog meat trade in certain regions, calling for tighter enforcement and harsher penalties. The incident has once again ignited debate over animal welfare laws and enforcement gaps in China.

Local authorities have reportedly received a complaint in connection with the case, and investigations are currently underway. However, no official statement on arrests or charges has yet been confirmed.

As outrage continues to grow online, Chutou’s story has become a symbol of public anger over animal cruelty, highlighting the emotional bond between pets and their owners in the digital age.