Seven dogs stolen from a village in northeast China have captured the hearts of tens of millions on social media after escaping thieves linked to a dog meat shop and embarking together on a journey home along a highway, Chinese media reported.
According to the South China Morning Post, a man identified by the surname Lu filmed the seven dogs last week walking along a busy highway in Changchun, in Jilin province. The footage shows the group carefully surrounding an injured German shepherd, while a corgi walking at the front repeatedly looks back to make sure no one is left behind. The group also included golden retrievers, Labradors and Pekingese dogs.
The dogs walked for many kilometers along a highway
Lu told local media that “they looked like a group of little brothers in distress, moving together in coordination — not at all like stray dogs.”
Despite several attempts to guide them to safety, the dogs ignored his calls. He later shared the video on the Douyin platform and urged local authorities to intervene. Another passing driver also filmed the dogs wandering in nearby fields.
The Bitter Coffee stray dog rescue group reported that the dogs, all from the same village, were accustomed to roaming together freely and had formed strong bonds. In response, the group sent volunteers and even deployed a drone to locate the dogs and help return them safely home.
One volunteer said people operating a dog meat shop had stolen the dogs and suggested they may have escaped from a truck, although there were no witnesses to the moment of their escape.
The dogs’ remarkable journey home drew widespread attention online, with videos amassing more than 230 million views.
Despite ongoing controversy, some restaurants in northern China still serve dog meat. During the region’s long, freezing winters, some locals believe eating dog meat provides warmth and proper nutrition. The Dalian Animal Protection Association noted that dog farms are rare due to high costs, making stray and stolen pets a cheap and accessible source of meat.
A volunteer said late last month that all seven dogs had returned to their owners, who live in three different households. The highway where they were first spotted is about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the village. One owner expressed relief, saying “we are very lucky they came back and were not eaten,” while another praised her corgi, known for its intelligence and ability to find its way home.
As of now, no further information has been released about the thieves. In China, dog theft is considered a criminal offense, punishable by fines or imprisonment depending on the animal’s value. The incident sparked widespread reactions online, with users calling for stricter legislation and broader protection for animals.