China’s Dog Meat Trade in Spotlight After Famous Border Collie Stolen and Eaten

A viral social media dog in China was reportedly stolen and killed for its meat, reigniting global scrutiny over the country’s dog meat trade despite official bans and declining demand.

The incident involves a Border Collie named Mochi, whose owner in Guangdong province posted videos of the dog on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) before it disappeared on June 10. According to CNA and The Jerusalem Post, the dog was later found in a restaurant kitchen in Shenzhen, where staff allegedly cooked and served its meat to customers. Footage from the restaurant, shared online, shows the dog’s remains being prepared.

China’s dog meat trade has been officially banned since 2020, following years of public outrage and international pressure. Yet the practice persists in some regions, particularly in southern China, where traditional consumption persists despite declining popularity. Animal welfare groups, including Humane Society International (HSI), have documented cases of theft and abuse linked to the trade, though enforcement remains inconsistent.

Why the trade persists despite the ban
China’s National People’s Congress outlawed dog meat sales in 2020, citing public health risks and ethical concerns. However, local enforcement varies, with some provinces cracking down while others tolerate small-scale operations. A 2023 report by HSI found that over 10 million dogs were still consumed annually in China before the ban, though the figure has dropped significantly since.

The Mochi case has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens, with hashtags like #救救摩奇 (#SaveMochi) trending on Weibo. Authorities in Shenzhen have launched an investigation, though details remain limited. The restaurant’s owner has not been publicly identified.

Global reaction and pet theft risks
The incident has drawn comparisons to South Korea, where dog meat consumption is also declining but remains culturally tied to certain regions. In both countries, pet thefts—often linked to the black-market trade—have surged as demand drops but illegal sales persist.

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has not issued a public statement on the case. However, animal rights activists warn that stolen pets, particularly rare breeds like Border Collies, are vulnerable to the trade. A 2024 HSI campaign reported a 30% rise in stolen pets in Guangdong and Fujian provinces since 2023.

What happens next?
Authorities have yet to confirm arrests or charges. If convicted, offenders could face fines or imprisonment under China’s Animal Protection Law, which prohibits cruelty and illegal slaughter. Meanwhile, pet owners in southern China are advised to microchip their animals and avoid public displays that could attract thieves.

For those seeking to report stolen pets, China’s public security bureaus and animal welfare hotlines (e.g., 12315 for agriculture complaints) remain the primary channels. International groups like HSI also offer assistance for cross-border cases.

Key verified details at a glance

• Dog’s name: Mochi (Border Collie)
• Location: Guangdong → Shenzhen, China
• Date stolen: June 10, 2026
• Discovered: June 14 in a Shenzhen restaurant kitchen
• Ban status: Officially illegal since 2020
• Investigation: Ongoing; no arrests reported
• Global context: Part of broader decline in dog meat trade, but illegal markets persist