Stolen Dogs Walk 17 km Back Home
CHINA – Seven dogs that were reportedly stolen from three homes managed to escape and walked together over 17 kilometers to return safely to their owners.
The group included a corgi, German shepherd, golden retriever, labrador, and pekingese. They traveled along busy roads and open fields in Changchun, Jilin province. A video of the dogs walking together went viral on Douyin, China’s video-sharing app, garnering over 230 million views. The corgi appeared to lead the group while also looking after the injured German shepherd, showing the strong bond between the dogs.
People who saw the animals were amazed by how organized and determined they were. One onlooker said they moved together like a close team, not like stray dogs. Volunteer groups and a local animal rescue organization even used drones to track and help the dogs get home safely. The canines belonged to nearby households and were already good friends, often roaming the streets together.
The incident sparked discussions online about animal welfare and the need for stronger protection laws. Some reports suggested they may have been taken by workers from a dog meat shop, which still operates in parts of northern China where dog meat is eaten for health and warmth. While stealing dogs is illegal, the law does not ban eating dog meat in most areas, although cities like Shenzhen have banned it since 2020.
By March 19, all seven dogs had safely returned home. Owners, particularly of the German shepherd and golden retriever, were relieved and grateful that the dogs were unharmed. Many netizens praised the dogs’ loyalty and resilience, emphasizing that pets deserve care and protection. The story highlights how smart and devoted dogs can be and has strengthened calls for stronger animal protection laws.
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