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A heart-wrenching incident in China’s Henan province has created a stir in the entire country. Guo, a famous travel influencer and pet dog owner, had her beloved dog Chutu stolen. This dog was not just a pet, but a star on social media with more than 15 lakh followers. But it was stolen and sold for just 180 yuan (about Rs 2,300) and later killed for meat. This incident has again sparked a strong debate on the weakness of the Animal Protection Law in China.

What actually happened?

On May 11, Guo went on a solo road trip in Georgia. Chutau was with his parents at his house. Then two strangers came riding on a bike and kidnapped the dog. When Guo got the news, she immediately returned home and started searching for her dog. Guo watched the CCTV footage and traced the thief. He contacted the thief and even offered money to get Chutu back. By that time it was too late. The thief first claimed that he thought Chutu was a stray dog. Later he told the truth that he had sold this pet dog to a dog meat restaurant for only 180 yuan. The thief said without any remorse, ‘The dog is dead, so stop the ruckus. I have not broken any law. He didn’t even apologize. Guo did not lose courage and reached the restaurant. There the butcher replied in a cold voice, ‘The hair was thrown in the garbage long ago.’ Meaning, Chutau had already been killed and his fur had been removed. Guo had also complained about this entire matter to the police, but it remains to be seen how fast the legal process will go.

Anger erupted on social media

Chutau’s story quickly went viral on social media. Pet owners and animal rights activists are extremely angry. People are saying that pet dogs and cats should no longer be seen just as ‘property’. They should get strong legal protection. Many people are demanding that there should be strict punishment for stealing and harming pets. Animal protection laws should be strengthened. Dog meat business should be stopped completely or at least better rules and regulations should be made. Chutau’s death has touched the hearts of thousands of people. Many people are writing in their posts that pets are members of the family. Stealing and killing them is as painful as killing a human being.

Animal welfare situation in China

Animal protection laws in China are still considered very weak. Incidents of theft of pet animals and trade in their meat are frequently heard. This case has once again raised the question whether the government should give stronger legal rights to pets. This issue has now reached the common people through influencers like Guo. People are hoping that this tragic incident of Chutau will not go in vain and will bring some positive changes in the field of animal welfare.