In a deeply disturbing case that has ignited national and international outrage, a Chinese woman adopts stray dogs to kill and eat them, deceiving animal shelters and rescue groups into believing she was providing these vulnerable animals with loving homes.
The woman, who operated a grain and oil business in Liaoning province under the alias Zhixuan, allegedly contacted multiple shelters through messaging apps, posing as a compassionate dog lover interested in adopting stray animals.
Instead of giving them safe and caring homes, she slaughtered the dogs and cooked them into meals—then shamelessly posted about it on social media. Animal shelters first became suspicious after receiving whistleblower reports alleging that a local woman was adopting stray dogs only to cook and consume them.
Screenshots began circulating online showing videos and posts from Zhixuan herself, where she bragged about preparing dog meat dishes and even showed her child consuming the meat.
One chilling caption read: “Dog meat is almost ready. Perfect for a rainy day with a drink.” Another showed a young child eating the meat, accompanied by the caption: “Only the best for the kid.” These horrifying images and captions have triggered a storm of anger, heartbreak, and calls for justice across Chinese social media platforms.
Adopts Stray Dogs To Kill And Eat Them
Zhixuan’s method of gaining access to stray dogs was both calculated and manipulative. According to reports by mainland media outlet Jimu News, she would reach out to rescue centers and shelters under the guise of a good-hearted citizen.
She would promise to care for the dogs, agree to follow-up visits, and even engage in conversations that gave the impression of genuine concern for animal welfare. Her ability to deceive seasoned rescue workers illustrates the level of cunning involved in her actions.
Tan, a director at one of the affected animal rescue groups, said he was first alerted by others in the pet adoption community who had stumbled upon Zhixuan’s social media posts. As the screenshots spread, it became clear that this was not an isolated incident.
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She had adopted multiple dogs from different shelters and repeated the gruesome cycle of betrayal, killing, and consumption. The betrayal felt by shelter staff and volunteers—who work tirelessly to save and rehome animals—is immense. Many of them treat these animals as their own family, and to see them suffer such a fate is heart-wrenching.
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Upon discovering the horrifying truth, Tan and others in the animal welfare community quickly sprang into action. They reported the matter to local authorities and shared Zhixuan’s details with other shelters and pet shops to prevent further adoptions. Zhixuan, instead of showing remorse, reportedly messaged Tan privately and refused to apologize for her actions. Her defiant stance has only fueled public outrage.
Public Outcry And Legal Loopholes
The scandal exploded on Chinese social media, garnering more than 10 million views within a short period. Many users were sickened not just by the acts themselves but also by the casual way Zhixuan flaunted her behavior online. The cruelty of pretending to offer a safe haven for these animals, only to brutally end their lives, struck a nerve with netizens.
“People like Zhixuan are despicable. Those poor stray dogs thought they had found a loving home, only to be taken straight to hell,” one commenter wrote. Another lamented: “When will China enact laws to punish those who show such blatant disregard for life?”
While the consumption of dog meat is not illegal in most parts of China, this particular case has drawn attention to a glaring gap in animal protection laws. There are no national regulations explicitly banning the slaughter and consumption of dogs, though cultural and societal attitudes are gradually shifting.
In some regions, such as the city of Shenzhen, progressive steps have been taken—banning the consumption of both dog and cat meat since 2020. Violators in Shenzhen face hefty fines, and the city has positioned itself as a model for animal welfare reform in China.
Unfortunately, Liaoning province, where Zhixuan lives, does not currently have such laws in place. This legal grey area has led many to call for immediate nationwide legislative reform. Public demand is growing for China to recognize dogs and cats not as livestock but as companion animals deserving legal protection. Experts and activists are urging policymakers to treat this scandal as a wake-up call.
A Changing China – But Not Fast Enough
China has witnessed a massive boom in pet ownership in recent years. More families now own dogs than ever before, and many urban Chinese consider their pets family members. With this societal shift comes a growing intolerance for animal cruelty. The furious reaction to Zhixuan’s actions is a testament to how far public attitudes have come, even if laws have not yet caught up.
Animal welfare groups have taken this moment to educate the public about the risks and ethics of consuming dog meat. Beyond the immense moral concerns, eating dog meat can also pose serious health risks. Unregulated slaughtering practices increase the chances of contamination and spread of disease.
Despite this, traditional beliefs persist in some areas, with dog meat often claimed to provide health benefits, such as boosting male virility or treating arthritis—claims that are entirely unsubstantiated by science.
The exposure of Zhixuan’s activities has re-energized the call for change. Rescue groups are tightening adoption protocols, implementing more rigorous background checks, and requiring home visits before allowing adoptions to go through. Shelters are also setting up communication networks to cross-check potential adopters and prevent serial abusers from repeating their crimes.
Meanwhile, Zhixuan’s social media accounts have been set to private, with all past posts hidden and new friend requests disabled. On May 13, the police confirmed that the woman had indeed cooked and eaten dog meat. The local Market Supervision Bureau stated that the dog meat in her possession had been seized according to the law, and an investigation is underway.
However, without solid laws prohibiting dog meat consumption, it remains to be seen whether she will face any serious consequences. Many fear that, at most, she will receive a slap on the wrist and continue her actions under a different alias or in another city.
The world is watching how Chinese authorities handle this case. If justice is not served, it will not only embolden others with similar intentions but also tarnish the efforts of those working hard to improve animal welfare in the country.
Activists argue that now is the time for China to show it is ready to evolve. In a country advancing rapidly in every domain—from space technology to global diplomacy—it must also step forward on matters of compassion and animal rights. The lives of these animals should not be disposable, and those who commit such heinous acts should face the full force of the law.
The horror of this story lies not just in the act of consuming dog meat, but in the deception, betrayal, and casual cruelty with which it was carried out. These dogs, already abandoned and traumatized, were given false hope—only to meet an even worse fate. Zhixuan’s actions have opened a raw wound in the hearts of many and exposed a dark underbelly of loopholes in pet adoption and animal protection in China.
The incident serves as a harsh reminder that laws must evolve with society. Compassion, ethics, and empathy should be the cornerstones of any civilized nation. The fate of these innocent animals must not be forgotten, and justice must not be delayed. The people of China have spoken loudly, and now it’s time for their lawmakers to listen.