Story of 7 stolen dogs in China walking home together for 17 km debunked by state media

The story of the seven dogs in China went viral recently, as netizens cooed over how they walked home together as a pack after escaping from suspected thieves allegedly linked to a dog meat shop.

The video making rounds online was filmed by netizen named Lu, according to the South China Morning Post, and it features a German shepherd, golden retriever, Labrador, corgi, and Pekinese walking on a highway in Changchun, Jilin province. Lu uploaded the video on the Chinese social media app Douyin and called on local authorities to help the dogs. The clip has since gone global.

It was said that a local Chinese animal rescue organization, Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base, dispatched volunteers and drone cameras to ensure the safety of the dogs on their journey home, which spanned 17 kilometers. On March 19, a rescue volunteer told Jimu News that all seven dogs had safely returned to their homes.

However, CNN on Thursday debunked the story, citing Chinese state media.

The news outlet said the original clip is authentic; the narrative around it, however, is not.

Citing City Evening News, CNN reported that all of the dogs lived in a village a few kilometers from the highway where they were filmed. The German shepherd had been in heat, which is why other dogs were drawn to it, as per the owners.

The seven dogs have since returned home, and the German shepherd leashed.

Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home.

They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..?????????????? pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB

— ????o?g? (@Yoda4ever) March 23, 2026

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News