On May 15, 2024, two border collies named Xiaoxiong and Fubao died in a villa yard in Langfang, Hebei, after the owner’s family went out. Jimunews reported that surveillance showed toxic food being thrown over the wall into the yard. Red Star News later reported that forensic notices found fluoroacetate in both dogs’ blood and vomit and said police detected fluoroacetate in the pockets of a neighbor surnamed Du.

The next day after moving in, both dogs died at home

According to the owner, the older dog had lived with the family for three and a half years, while the younger one was only three months old. Even if there had been noise or neighbor conflict, throwing poison into another person’s private yard could never be a legitimate response. It killed the dogs and also created danger for children, elderly people and anyone who might touch the contaminated space.

Fluoroacetate in the forensic notices

Red Star News reported that the owner provided two forensic notices showing fluoroacetate in both dogs’ blood and vomit, and that police detected the same substance in two pockets of Du’s clothing. The final legal characterization was still a matter for authorities, but the danger of the act itself is clear.

Valuation and criminal-liability dispute

Public legal discussion noted a painful gap: companion animals are often measured first as property, while families lose a living member. Xiaoxiong and Fubao were not merely a damage number. They were lives that had been called, cared for and expected to be there when the family returned.

Neighbor conflict cannot be solved with poison

Responsible dog ownership matters, but poison is not communication, warning or mediation. It is hidden violence placed inside someone else’s living space.

Timeline

• May 14, 2024: the owner’s family moved into the villa compound.
• Night of May 14: the owner said short barking during a camera test drew verbal abuse from a neighbor.
• May 15, 2024, around 14:00: the family went out; surveillance later showed toxic food thrown into the yard.
• Evening of May 15: the owner returned and found both border collies dead, then called police.
• May 17, 2024: Jimunews reported the case.
• June 27, 2024: Red Star News reported the forensic findings and police detection of fluoroacetate.
• July 10, 2024: Xinhua / Legal Daily published legal analysis on poisoning dogs.

Public Sources

• Jimunews
• Red Star News / Shenzhen News
• Xinhua / Legal Daily