Cyril Schreiner, a popular Alsatian influencer with over 11 million followers, created a fabricated story about the kidnapping of his pet pug, Albert, which stirred immense public sympathy and engagement online. His narrative depicted a harrowing ordeal where he tearfully claimed that two men had taken his dog during their daily walk, capturing the attention of millions and generating widespread support across social media platforms.

For ten days, Schreiner maintained the ruse, keeping his audience engaged with updates and emotional appeals. However, on the day of the revelation, he disclosed that this entire saga had been a hoax designed to entertain his followers. This disclosure drew significant backlash as many felt deceived and manipulated by the influencer, who seemed to equate his pet's welfare with mere entertainment content.

In response to this situation, an NGO has decided to take legal action against Schreiner, arguing that his actions undermine genuine efforts regarding animal welfare. They highlight the serious implications of misleading the public, especially as it may hinder true rescue operations and diminish the credibility of animal rights advocacy. The incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of influencers and the ethical boundaries of content creation in the digital age, especially involving sensitive subjects such as animal welfare and public trust.