‘The Great Escape’: Stolen dogs flee from Chinese meat factory

Seven stolen dogs have captured the hearts of millions online after escaping a meat factory in China and embarking on a ten mile journey home together, the Daily Mail writes.

Viral footage shows the animals, of all sizes, forming a ‘band of brothers’ and trotting down a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province.

In the clip, the dogs surround an injured German shepherd, while a Corgi leading the pack repeatedly looks back to ensure none are left behind.

The person who filmed the footage told mainland Chinese outlet Dahe Daily: ‘They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs.’

The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base said the animals came from the same village and had likely formed strong bonds.

Volunteers were dispatched along with a drone to track the dogs and help guide them home.

One volunteer claimed the animals had been stolen by people running a dog meat shop and may have escaped from a truck, although no witnesses saw them flee.

Despite the controversy, some dog meat restaurants still operate in northern China. During the long, harsh winters, some locals believe eating dog meat provides warmth and sustenance. Chinese law does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog meat․