Refer China: Southern China ： Viral Dog Xiaobai Saved from Poison Plot, Suspect Arrested

After a poison plot using isoniazid on May 7, Xiaobai the bottle-collecting dog was saved. Suspect arrested May 8. Owner Zhang says dog is back to work, having earned over 100,000 yuan from recycled bottles.

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Xiaobai

Southern China

Viral Dog

Poison Arrest

Animal Rescue

A man in southern China suspected of poisoning a viral French bulldog famous for picking up plastic bottles has been arrested, after the pet’s owner reported the deadly threat to police.

The beloved dog, nicknamed Xiaobai, shot to nationwide fame last year for its unusual habit of diligently collecting discarded plastic bottles for its owner, surnamed Zhang. Over five years, the bottles Xiaobai gathered earned Zhang more than 100,000 yuan (US$14,600) by selling waste plastics.

French bulldog Xiaobai, above, doing what he does best, collecting used plastic bottles. Photo: Weibo

A famous French bulldog in China known for collecting plastic bottles is facing threats from animal abusers. Photo: Douyin

Xiaobai’s social media account @gouxiaobai has gained half a million followers, with some videos racking up 10 million views, according to the Yangcheng Evening News.

On May 7 at noon, Zhang received screenshots from a concerned netizen showing members of an animal‑abuse group plotting to poison Xiaobai. Participants shared Zhang’s home address and planned to use isoniazid — a tuberculosis‑treatment drug that damages animals’ nervous systems and causes death from respiratory failure — to kill the dog.

That same evening, a man wearing white clothes and holding an umbrella lingered outside Zhang’s courtyard and took photos of the property. Zhang immediately reported the case to police, handing over group chat records and surveillance footage of the suspect.

Police arrested the man on May 8, while the full investigation remains ongoing.

Xiaobai looking down in the dumps after he was confined to his home following the threats. Photo: Weibo

Fearing poisoning, Zhang kept Xiaobai locked indoors for days. The usually energetic dog became depressed and listless under house arrest. Once the suspect was detained, Xiaobai was allowed outside again, quickly regaining its lively spirit as it ran around collecting bottles.

“Xiaobai is back to work and full of confidence,” Zhang said in his latest video.

Xiaobai pictured with another used plastic bottle. He has made his owner a lot of money. Photo: Weibo

He condemned animal abusers harshly, calling them “the dregs of society” and vowing to fight such harmful groups to seek justice for mistreated animals.

The story sparked widespread public anger online.“I hope police punish the poisoners severely. Evil deeds will bring evil consequences,” one netizen commented.“The dog is so sweet and harmless. It never bothers anyone yet was targeted by bad people. Their minds are truly twisted,” another wrote.

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Editor: Crystal H