Dog escapes from boarding center, meets tragic fate
A shocking incident from Shenzhen, China, has sparked outrage after highway workers cooked and ate a pet dog that had escaped from a boarding center.
The four-year-old hunting dog, Yi Yi, fled the Little Tail Pet Boarding Centre on January 29 after being startled by Lunar New Year fireworks.
Owner’s desperate search for lost pet
Yi Yi’s owner, who was on holiday in the Maldives, had entrusted the dog to the boarding center. Upon learning of its disappearance, the distraught owner offered a 50,000 yuan reward for its safe return.
According to the South China Morning Post, Yi Yi wandered onto a highway where it was struck by a vehicle and left on the roadside.
Surveillance footage later revealed that two highway patrol officers picked up the dog’s body and took it to their company’s kitchen, where it was cooked and shared among eight employees.
Heartbroken, the dog’s owner posted on social media:
“Yi Yi was hit by a car while running home. I’m sorry I could not protect you. I will always remember you.”
Company and police acknowledge wrongdoing
Both the highway company and traffic police confirmed the workers’ actions. The company’s chef also admitted to being involved.
A company spokesperson defended the workers, claiming they had assumed the dog was a stray and had died on impact.
“The two workers followed regulations by taking photos and uploading them to the company’s system,” the spokesperson explained.
Company vows strict action, owner seeks legal recourse
The highway company expressed regret over the incident and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the dog’s owner has vowed to pursue legal action and stated that the company’s cafeteria and involved employees are now under investigation for breaching food safety laws. She also pledged to donate any compensation received.
Shenzhen’s ban on dog and cat consumption
Shenzhen was one of the first cities in China to ban the consumption of cats and dogs in 2020. Violators face hefty fines, making this case even more controversial.
