Stolen dogs escape Chinese meat factory and form ‘band of brothers’ to get home

Seven stolen dogs, ranging from a small Pekingese to a huge German Shepherd, traveled 10 miles home with a clever Corgi leading the pack to safety and viral fame.

A canine “band of brothers” became a global sensation after staging a daring escape from a Chinese meat factory and walking 10 miles to safety. The group of seven stolen dogs, ranging from a small Pekingese to a huge German Shepherd, captured the hearts of millions as they were filmed navigating a dangerous highway in Changchun, Jilin province.

Viral footage shows the pack moving with military precision, with a smart Corgi leading the charge and constantly checking the rear to ensure no one is left behind.

Witnesses were amazed by the animals’ coordination as they dodged traffic to return to their village.

One onlooker, who filmed the pack for Dahe Daily, said: “They look like a bunch of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs.”

The witness tried to intervene, but the focused dogs ignored his calls, seemingly on a mission to reach their families. The group included Golden Retrievers, Labradors and a small Pekingese.

Volunteers at the Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base believe the animals were snatched from the same village and formed an unbreakable bond in captivity.

It is suspected that they were robbed by dog ​​meat dealers and managed to escape from a transport truck on March 16.

Despite the freezing winters of northern China, where some still mistakenly believe that dog meat provides warmth, the lucky puppies managed to escape the butcher’s blade.

Experts from the Dalian Animal Protection Association noted that because breeding dogs is expensive, many traders resort to the “cheap” option of stealing their beloved pets.

After a two-day trek across fields and highways, the exhausted animals finally reached their doorstep on March 18. A volunteer told Jimu News that the seven dogs have now been reunited with their three separate families.

A relieved owner, whose German Shepherd and Golden Retriever returned safely, said: “We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten. »

Another owner beamed with pride at his Corgi’s navigation skills, crediting the little dog’s intelligence for guiding the group through the 17km (10-mile) stretch of road.

The Dogs’ Journey has racked up 230 million views online, with social media users calling for a Hollywood film adaptation.

One emotional viewer said: “Their journey could be the premise for a movie. The Golden Retriever positioned himself closest to traffic to protect others.

“The Corgi kept coming back to make sure no one was left behind. The German Shepherd, showing natural leadership, remained central like a general.”

Another added: “Dogs exemplify loyalty to their companions; humans who harm them show much less humanity. »

While dog theft is a criminal offense in China, activists are using the miracle story to push for stricter animal protection laws across the country.

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