What was initially hailed as a remarkable story of loyalty and survival of seven dogs in China that allegedly escaped captivity has since been debunked, revealing a far less dramatic reality behind the footage.
The clip first gained traction online after photos and videos showed a group of dogs trotting along a busy highway in a province in China.
In the footage, the dogs appeared to move in formation, some surrounding a German Shepherd, while a Corgi led the group, occasionally glancing back as if checking on the others. The pack also included a Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Pekingese, a mix that quickly charmed viewers.
As the video spread, netizens crafted a story with claims that the dogs had escaped from individuals allegedly involved in the dog meat trade and were making their way back home together.
Initial follow-up reports appeared to support the narrative, suggesting that the dogs had returned to their respective owners after fleeing captivity.
A local rescue group, cited by the South China Morning Post, said the animals were believed to have come from the same village, where they were known to roam freely and had formed close bonds.
One volunteer even speculated that the dogs may have been stolen and later escaped from a transport vehicle, though no witnesses confirmed this account.
However, local state media later refuted these claims, stating there was no evidence of theft or abuse.
According to City Evening News, cited by the news outlet, the German Shepherd seen in the video, named Sibao, belongs to a villager who explained that dogs in their community are typically allowed to roam freely and often wander off for a day or two.
The owner added that Sibao had been in heat at the time, which likely attracted the other dogs and led to the group’s unusual formation. State media further noted that such behavior is not uncommon in the area, particularly during mating periods.
Reports also confirmed that all seven dogs had since returned to their respective homes, spread across three households. As a precaution, Sibao is currently being kept on a leash.
