Seven Stolen Dogs Escape on Changchun Expressway, Travel 17km Led by Corgi in Viral Jilin Province Rescue [VIDEO]

Changchun, Jilin Province — Seven dogs stolen from their owners in northeast China have captured widespread attention after escaping from a suspected dog thief and traveling nearly 17 kilometers together to find their way home.

The remarkable journey unfolded along the Changshuang Expressway, where the group of dogs was first spotted on March 16 walking along the roadside as traffic sped past. Video captured by passing motorists showed the animals staying close together, navigating the dangerous highway as a pack.

According to local reports, the dogs had been taken from the same village and were being transported for illegal sale, reportedly to a dog meat trader, before they managed to break free.

What stood out most in the viral footage was the apparent coordination among the animals. A corgi appeared to lead the group, frequently turning back to check on the others, while the pack surrounded and protected an injured German Shepherd in the center.

Other breeds in the group included a Golden Retriever, Labradors, and a Pekingese, all moving together in a tightly knit formation despite belonging to different households.

After leaving the expressway, the dogs continued their journey across rural fields, ignoring attempts from bystanders to stop or redirect them. Observers noted that the group appeared determined and focused, moving steadily toward familiar territory.

Over the next two days, local residents and animal rescue volunteers tracked the dogs’ movements through social media updates and shared videos. The effort quickly gained traction online, with users helping identify the animals and match them to missing pet reports from the area.

The search ended on March 19, when rescuers successfully located and intercepted the group. All seven dogs were safely recovered and reunited with their owners.

Veterinary checks confirmed the dogs had traveled approximately 17 kilometers on foot. Despite the ordeal, they were found to be in generally good health, suffering only minor injuries and exhaustion.

Owners expressed relief and disbelief at the dogs’ survival, noting the unlikely odds of multiple stolen pets escaping together and navigating such a long distance back toward home.

The incident has sparked renewed attention on the issue of pet theft in parts of China, particularly in rural areas where animals are sometimes targeted for the illegal meat trade. Animal welfare advocates are now calling on local authorities in Jilin province to investigate those responsible for the theft.