A shocking case involving the theft and killing of a famous Border Collie named Chutou has taken a new twist in China. The dog, which had amassed over a million followers online, was reportedly stolen and sold to a dog meat seller in Henan province, sparking nationwide outrage.
After gathering evidence for several weeks, local police officially turned the case into a criminal investigation, opening the possibility of legal proceedings against the suspect accused of stealing the dog.
On June 6, Guo, the owner of Chutou, revealed that he had received an official notice from the Ningling County Public Security Bureau in Shangqiu City. According to the document, authorities formally accepted the case as a criminal investigation involving the theft of a pet dog.
Initially the matter was handled only as an administrative matter. However, Guo later presented extensive documentation to demonstrate that Chutou’s actual value far exceeded 2,000 yuan, the minimum threshold required by Chinese law to pursue criminal liability for theft.
The materials reportedly included Chutou’s purchase receipt, eight years of vaccination and veterinary records, expenses related to treatment, as well as advertising contracts and social media data linked to the dog.
Much more than just a pet, Chutou has become an online celebrity with more than a million followers. Over the years, the Border Collie has traveled across China with Guo and appeared in numerous commercial campaigns. According to local media reports, a single sponsored post featuring Chutou could generate tens of thousands of yuan in revenue.
The incident occurred on May 11 in Guo’s hometown of Ningling County. Surveillance footage allegedly captured a man and woman arriving on an electric scooter, luring Chutou away from the side of the road, and leaving with the dog within minutes.
Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed that Chutou was sold to a dog meat buyer for just 180 yuan before being slaughtered the same day.
The case has sparked widespread anger on Chinese social media, not only over the beloved dog’s tragic fate, but also over the huge gap between Chutou’s real value and the small sum the alleged thief received from its sale.
Legal experts in China pointed out that the resale price of 180 yuan should not be used to determine the value of stolen property. Instead, authorities are expected to value Chutou based on market value and supporting evidence, a crucial factor that ultimately led to the case being elevated from an administrative matter to a criminal investigation.
Guo reportedly said he will not accept mediation and intends to pursue the case to the end. If authorities determine that Chutou’s value exceeds the legal threshold, the suspect could face theft charges and potentially a prison sentence.
Sources: Znews
