Viral video of 'stolen' dogs on highway in China has a twist you didn't expect

The viral video, which was circulated across several social media platforms, showed a group of dogs walking together along a busy highway in Changchun in Jilin province.

A viral video that was initially shared as a story of seven “stolen” village dogs escaping suspected meat traders and trekking 17 km back home in northeastern China has now been debunked, with reports confirming that the backstory was misleading even though the footage itself is real.

The short clip, which was circulated across several social media platforms, showed a group of dogs walking together along a busy highway in Changchun in Jilin province on March 16. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the video was recorded by a local resident identified as Lu, who spotted the dogs about 17 km from their village.

The dogs were seen moving in formation, with several staying close to an injured German shepherd. A corgi appeared to lead the group, frequently turning back as if to check on the others - a detail that added to the emotional narrative that was discussed among social media users.

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— og (@Yoda4ever) March 23, 2026

However, reports later clarified that the backstory accompanying the video was inaccurate.

Citing Chinese state-owned City Evening News, CNN reported that the dogs were neither stolen nor escaping meat traders. Instead, they belonged to villagers living near the highway where the video was recorded.