Seven dogs have won the internet’s affection after escaping what volunteers described as an illicit dog meat operation in northern China. These brave canines traveled nearly ten miles back toward their home, sticking together throughout their journey.
A viral video from Changchun, in Jilin province, shows this mixed-breed group navigating a busy highway as a cohesive unit. The pack includes a German shepherd, Pekingese, Golden retrievers, Labradors, and a corgi that seems to take the lead. In one clip, they gather around an injured German shepherd, with the corgi frequently looking back, possibly ensuring no one was left behind.
The individual who captured the roadside footage remarked that the dogs resembled a band of small brothers in distress, moving in perfect harmony. Despite attempts to redirect them for their safety, the dogs remained focused on their path. The video prompted him to call for local authorities to intervene.
A second witness managed to film the dogs traversing nearby fields. Subsequently, volunteer groups and a drone were deployed to assist in guiding the dogs home.
Reports suggest that the dogs may have been taken by individuals linked to a dog meat shop and possibly escaped from a truck. The Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base, a local organization, indicated that these dogs originated from the same village, likely forming strong ties.
Despite increasing opposition, dog meat restaurants continue to operate in parts of northern China. Some locals argue that dog meat is a source of warmth during chilly winters, while animal advocacy groups assert that the trade often exploits strays and stolen pets, which are less expensive than raising dogs. The Dalian Animal Protection Association has noted that dog farms are uncommon due to the high costs associated with raising dogs.
Pet theft has been reported in various cities, including Changchun, Harbin, and Dalian.
By March 19, a volunteer confirmed that all seven dogs had reunited with their owners across three separate homes. Based on the timeline of the videos, the dogs are believed to have fled on March 16 and made it back by March 18, with the highway sighting taking place approximately 17 kilometers from their village.
Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home.
They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..🐶🐾🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB
— 𝕐o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) March 23, 2026
One owner expressed his gratitude stating that his German shepherd and Golden retriever returned safely, commenting on their luck in not being taken for consumption. Another owner praised her corgi for its cleverness and leadership, with many crediting the dog for guiding the pack home.
There has been no update on the suspected thieves as of now. In China, dog theft can carry severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the value of the animal.
The dogs’ incredible journey has gone viral, accumulating over 230 million views. Commenters have remarked on the leadership qualities displayed by the German shepherd and the protective instincts of the Golden retriever, as well as the corgi’s role in ensuring no one got left behind. Many have called for stronger animal protection laws in light of this incident.
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
