bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Zoey Zhang

A recent development in this story has revealed that, following a further investigation, the dogs did not escape captivity. For a detailed account, please read “Plot twists in the viral ‘great escape’ and homecoming video of 7 dogs from China”.
Seven stolen village dogs in northeastern China captured the hearts of millions online after breaking free from thieves working for a dog meat shop and embarking on a journey home together, igniting calls for stronger animal protection laws.
On March 16, a netizen surnamed Lu recorded a video of seven dogs walking along a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province.
In the footage, a group of dogs carefully surrounded an injured German shepherd, while a Corgi at the front repeatedly looked back to ensure none were left behind.
The group also included Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Pekinese dogs.
Lu told mainland Chinese media outlet Dahe Daily: “They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs.”

Although he attempted several times to guide them to safety, the dogs ignored his calls. He then shared the video on Douyin, urging local authorities to step in.
Another passing road user captured footage of the dogs wandering through nearby fields.
The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base reported that the dogs come from the same village, typically roaming freely together and having formed strong friendships.
In response, the base dispatched several volunteers and even a drone to track the dogs and facilitate their safe return home.
One volunteer claimed that individuals operating a dog meat shop had stolen the dogs, suggesting they may have escaped from a truck, though no witnesses saw their departure.

The South China Morning Post reached out to the stray dog base for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Despite the controversy, a few dog meat restaurants still operate in northern China. During the long, frigid winters, locals believe consuming dog meat provides warmth and sustenance.
The Dalian Animal Protection Association noted that dog farms are very rare, as raising dogs is costly. For many dog meat shop owners, stray dogs and stolen pets are the easiest and cheapest sources of meat.
Cities like Changchun, Harbin, and Dalian have reported numerous incidents of pet dogs being stolen.

On March 19, a volunteer informed Jimu News that all seven dogs had returned to their respective owners, who came from three different households.
The highway where Lu first spotted them was about 17 km from their village.
One owner expressed relief that his missing dogs – a German shepherd and a Golden Retriever – returned home, stating: “We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten.”
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
As of now, no additional information has emerged regarding the dog thieves.
In China, dog theft is considered a criminal offence, with penalties that can include fines or imprisonment based on the value of the animal.
The dogs’ remarkable journey home has garnered widespread attention online, with videos accumulating over 230 million views.

One netizen remarked: “Their journey could be the premise for a movie. The Golden Retriever positioned itself closest to traffic to shield the others. The Corgi kept checking back to ensure no one was left behind. The German shepherd, showing natural leadership, remained central like a general.”
Another user commented: “Dogs exemplify loyalty to their companions; humans who harm them show far less humanity.”
“Dogs are our most devoted friends and deserve protection and nurturing. It is crucial to establish an animal protection law as soon as possible,” added a third.
Currently, Chinese law does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen became one of the first mainland cities to ban the eating of cats and dogs in 2020.


From great escape to great reunion: plot twists of China viral video of 7 dogs’ homecoming

China grandma falls in love with AI-generated ‘bossy president’, writes ‘him’ love letters

Chinese woman uses teeth to carve intricate sculptures, including Great Wall of China model

Once a poor village boy, famous China educational guru Zhang Xuefeng dies at 41 after a run

Trending in China

Heartwarming tale of 7 dogs’ escape from captivity in China garners 230 million views

In a touching story, seven dogs from the same village in China escaped after being stolen by a dog meat shop and trekked 17km home. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin

They resemble a group of little brothers in distress, moving together in unison—entirely unlike stray dogs. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

The dogs’ incredible journey home has captured widespread attention online, with videos amassing over 230 million views. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

A man strolls with his pet dog as he converses with a vendor selling dog meat at a market during the local dog meat festival in Yulin, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China, on June 21, 2018. Photo: Reuters/Tyrone Siu

On March 19, a volunteer at a dog shelter reported to Jimu News that all seven dogs had returned to their respective owners, who came from three different households. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

An 84-year-old grandmother fell in love with an artificial intelligence-generated human, writing him love letters and buying over-priced items from his online shop.  Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin

The besotted 84-year-old grandmother even wrote the digital persona a love letter, above. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

Artificially generated digital men like the one above are often liked by senior women. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

An elderly woman takes her time typing a message into her mobile phone. Photo: Shutterstock

A man live-streams while wearing headphones. Many people fear artificial intelligence technology has become a tool for scammers. Photo: Shutterstock

Zhang Xuefeng, one of China’s most prominent educational figures, has died at the age of 41 after a run. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/ntit.edu.cn

Zhang Xuefeng, above, was one of China’s most prominent educational figures. Photo: QQ.com

A tired-looking Zhang during one of his live-streams. He was known to sleep just two to four hours a night at the height of his career. Photo: QQ.com

Zhang pictured with his daughter whom he leaves behind, along with his wife. Photo: QQ.com

Crowds outside a university open day venue.  Zhang gave advice on value of educational institutions and what to study. Photo: Xinhua

Zhang, right, pictured with a friend. One education professional described him as a “kind and selfless” teacher. Photo: QQ.com

‘Be careful or I’ll kill your family’: China mini-dramas featuring kids raise concerns

Chinese mini-dramas featuring children have caused concern due to their mature themes and content; one mother was alarmed by her son’s use of adult language after acting in such a show. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote/iqiyi

One of the controversial series depicts intimate relations between a child actor and an adult. Photo: ettoday

Child actors, such as the girl above, are often cast in adult roles. Photo: ettoday

Another child actor, above. Experts fear the “adultification” trend could be psychologically harmful to children. Photo: ettoday

Two child actors in a miniseries were asked to play out a scene perched high on a roof. Photo: ettoday

A crew film a miniseries scene with a child actor lying in bed, above. Photo: Reuters

Chinese man modifies electric bike, uses dog as power source, draws animal abuse criticism

A Chinese man modified his electric bicycle by removing its battery and using his golden retriever to power it, drawing criticism for potential animal abuse. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Another road user filmed the dog in action under the seat of the man’s electric bicycle. Photo: sohu.com

Accusations of animal abuse were made against the man after the story was reported by a local television station. Photo: sohu.com

The dog involved was a golden retriever, like the one pictured above in Beijing. Photo: Shutterstock

A busy crossing with waiting motorbikes in China’s Jiangsu province where the incident took place. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese man, 82, travels 12 hours daily for 105 days to visit wife in ICU; devotion touches hearts

An 82-year-old man spent 105 days making a 12-hour daily journey to visit his wife in the ICU, using his savings for her treatment. Photo: SCMP composite/CCTV/Douyin

Touching: Chen Achong kisses his wife’s hand as she lies in her hospital bed. Photo: CCTV

The 82-year-old farmer Chen spent hours at the bedside of his beloved wife. Photo: CCTV

Chen holds his sick wife’s hand tightly as she lies in bed in the hospital. Photo: CCTV

Chen and his son pose for a photograph with Xue in the hospital. Photo: CCTV

Loving couple: Chen and Xue pictured together in their younger years. Photo: CCTV

Chen, above, woke up at 4.30am every day to make the lonely journey to be by his wife’s side in the hospital. Photo: CCTV

News

People & Culture

Chinese law does not ban consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen was one of the first mainland cities to ban eating cats, dogs in 2020


Chinese law does not ban consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen was one of the first mainland cities to ban eating cats, dogs in 2020.


Pets

Animals

Heartwarming tale of 7 dogs’ escape from captivity in China garners 230 million views

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Chinese law does not ban consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen was one of the first mainland cities to ban eating cats, dogs in 2020

Chinese law does not ban consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen was one of the first mainland cities to ban eating cats, dogs in 2020