Seven dogs escaped from thieves in northeastern China and trekked over 10 miles to return home, a journey captured in a viral video that has garnered 230 million views. The dogs, including a Corgi, a German Shepherd, and other breeds, were reportedly stolen for meat but managed to escape and navigate highways and fields together, with the Corgi leading the group and the others protecting an injured German Shepherd.
The video, filmed by a local man named Lu on March 16 near Changchun in Jilin province, shows the dogs moving in unison, ignoring attempts to redirect them. Local animal welfare groups and volunteers, including a drone team, monitored their progress, confirming the dogs were from the same village. By March 19, the dogs had successfully returned home.
The incident highlights China's persistent issue with dog theft, as dog meat remains a delicacy in some regions, particularly during harsh winters. While some believe consuming dog meat provides warmth, the practice is controversial and increasingly scrutinized. The dogs' owners expressed relief that they were not harmed, as stolen pets are often sold to dog meat shops.