French bulldog in China known for collecting plastic bottles faces threats from animal abusers

A man in southern China suspected of poisoning an online celebrity dog which is famous for collecting plastic bottles in the street has been caught after its owner called the police.

The French bulldog nicknamed Xiaobai won the hearts of millions last year for diligently collecting plastic bottles for its owner.

It has earned over 100,000 yuan (US$14,600) over the past five years as its owner, surnamed Zhang, sold the waste bottles.

The social media account @gouxiaobai boasts half a million followers, with some videos being viewed 10 million times, the Yangcheng Evening News reported.

Zhang said that at noon on May 7, a “good-hearted” internet user sent him some screenshots of an animal abuse group discussing a plan to poison Xiaobai.

Some group members shared Zhang’s home address and said they planned to distribute isoniazid, a prescribed drug used to treat tuberculosis, to kill the dog.

The medicine damages the animals’ nervous system before it dies from respiratory failure.

On the evening of that day, a man dressed in white holding an umbrella lingered about outside Zhang’s courtyard taking photographs.

Zhang instantly alerted the police by submitting the chat records of the animal abuse group and surveillance camera footage of the suspect man to the police.

The suspect was apprehended on May 8, the police told Zhang. The case is still under investigation.

Before the suspect was caught, Zhang had to lock Xiaobai inside his estate for fear that it would get poisoned from eating mysterious things on the road.

The dog looked despondent from being grounded during that period, said Zhang.

After it was allowed to go outside again, it became dynamic when running and collecting the plastic bottles.

“Xiaobai returned to work and looks so confident,” Zhang said in his latest video clip.

“Animal abusers are the dregs of society. I am committed to the fight against this group to exact revenge for the animals they killed,” he added.

The story attracted considerable attention on social media.

“I hope the police will punish the poisoners seriously. This group’s evil deeds will bring them evil consequences,” said one online observer.

“The dog is so cute and kind, not annoying or hurting anyone. But it was targeted by the bad people. What a distorted mindset they have,” said another person. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST