‘Deeply offensive’ pre-visit message to tourist with puppy leads to cancellation of booking; turns spotlight on animal protection laws
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenZoey ZhangPublished: 9:00am, 5 Apr 2026A pet-friendly hotel in southwestern China has drawn fierce online criticism after recommending dog meat restaurants to a traveller staying with their dog.
On March 27, a social media user surnamed Chen described a disturbing stay at a hotel in Guizhou province.
Chen said they had booked a pet-friendly property for a trip with their puppy, but was taken aback when the hotel sent them an official message recommending local attractions, including the town’s dog meat speciality.
The message, which also promoted rafting and nearby snow mountains, claimed dog meat could nourish the blood, strengthen the stomach and intestines and replenish vitality.
Chen said the wording left them upset and uncomfortable.
“I understand that eating habits differ across regions. But for pet-owning families, such a recommendation is deeply offensive to our feelings and our basic respect for life,” Chen wrote.
The location attached to Chen’s post showed the hotel was in Panjiang town, Guiding county, although its name has not been made public.
