A shocking case involving the theft and slaughter of a famous Border Collie named Chutou has taken a new turn in China. The dog, which had amassed over one million followers online, was reportedly stolen and sold to a dog meat vendor in Henan Province, sparking nationwide outrage.

After gathering evidence for several weeks, local police have officially upgraded the case to a criminal investigation, raising the possibility of legal prosecution against the suspect accused of stealing the dog.

On June 6, Guo — Chutou’s owner — revealed that he had received an official notice from the Ningling County Public Security Bureau in Shangqiu City. According to the document, authorities have formally accepted the case as a criminal investigation involving the theft of a companion dog.

Initially, the matter had only been handled as an administrative case. However, Guo later submitted extensive documentation to prove that Chutou’s actual value far exceeded 2,000 yuan, the minimum threshold required under Chinese law to pursue criminal liability for theft.

The materials reportedly included Chutou’s purchase receipt, eight years of vaccination and veterinary records, care-related expenses, as well as advertising contracts and social media data connected to the dog.

Far more than just a pet, Chutou had become an online celebrity with more than one million followers. Over the years, the Border Collie traveled across China alongside Guo and appeared in multiple commercial campaigns. According to local media reports, a single sponsored post featuring Chutou could reportedly 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 roadside, 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 on the same day.

The case has triggered widespread anger across Chinese social media, not only because of the tragic fate of the beloved dog but also due to the enormous gap between Chutou’s actual value and the small amount the alleged thief received from selling him.

Legal experts in China have pointed out that the 180-yuan resale price should not be used to determine the stolen property’s value. Instead, authorities are expected to evaluate Chutou based on market value and supporting evidence — a crucial factor that ultimately led the case to be elevated from an administrative matter to a criminal investigation.

Guo has reportedly stated that he will not accept mediation and plans 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