Seven stolen dogs escaped captivity from suspected dog meat traders in China and traveled 10 miles home together, captured in viral footage that has moved millions worldwide and sparked renewed calls to end the controversial practice.
The Great Escape
The seven dogs broke free from a truck transporting them to a meat processing facility in Changchun, Jilin province, on March 16. According to local reports, the animals chewed through their cage to escape. The group consisted of German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, a Corgi, and a Pekingese dog. All reportedly lived in the same village before being stolen by individuals operating a dog meat shop. Video footage captured the pack walking in tight formation along a busy highway guardrail, demonstrating remarkable coordination as they moved toward their home village.
A witness named Lu filmed the dogs and attempted to guide them to safety, but the determined animals refused assistance and continued their journey. The footage shows the pack surrounding an injured German Shepherd at one point, while the Corgi appeared to check that no member had been left behind. Lu posted the video to social media, prompting the Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base rescue organization to dispatch volunteers and deploy a drone to monitor the animals’ progress. All seven dogs reached their home village safely on March 18 and were reunited with their owners.
Criminal Enterprise Targets Family Pets
Dog theft remains a criminal offense in China, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment based on the animal’s value. Despite legal prohibitions, thieves continue stealing pets to supply the dog meat trade, which some consider a traditional food source during the winter months. Cities including Changchun, Harbin, and Dalian have reported multiple incidents of pets snatched from streets. While eating dog meat is not explicitly banned nationwide in China, Shenzhen became one of the first mainland cities to prohibit consuming cats and dogs in 2020.
Owners Express Relief
The dogs’ owners expressed profound gratitude for their pets’ return. One owner stated they felt lucky the animals came back and were not eaten. Another praised their Corgi’s navigation abilities. The rescue organization attributed the pack’s successful coordination to their familiarity with one another from living in the same village. Animal advocates have condemned the dog meat trade, calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws and broader prohibitions. The heartwarming story has drawn comparisons to classic animal adventure films, with many viewers calling for the dogs’ journey to be adapted into a movie.