Seven dogs in northeastern China have gone viral after they were seen walking home together as a pack after escaping from suspected thieves allegedly linked to a dog meat shop.

According to the South China Morning Post, a netizen named Lu filmed the dogs — reportedly 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 gained over 230 million views.

As a response, 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.

One volunteer claimed the dogs had been stolen by a dog meat shop, though no proof has been presented.

On March 19, a rescue volunteer told Jimu News that all seven dogs had safely returned to their homes.

Dog theft is a criminal offense in China and may result in fines or imprisonment.

As of writing, there is no Chinese law that prohibits dog consumption, but Shenzhen became one of the first cities to ban the eating of cats and dogs in 2020.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News