Dozens of pet corpses found on China highway, likely caused by unsafe transport by owners

A viral social media exposé by Chinese blogger Wu Jiayou has revealed a grim consequence of a dangerous pet transport trend during the 2026 Chinese New Year travel rush. Driving a 300-kilometer stretch of expressway from Leshan to Chongqing, Wu documented 62 pet carcasses—8 dogs and 54 cats—scattered along the road. The animals, identifiable as pets by their clothing and groomed fur, are believed to have fallen from vehicles after owners tied them to the outside of cars, following an unsafe online trend to avoid having animals inside the cabin. The footage, released on February 25 and reported by the Yangcheng Evening News, has caused widespread heartache and condemnation, highlighting a severe animal welfare crisis tied to holiday travel logistics.

Pet experts immediately responded to the footage, warning that transporting animals in such exposed conditions leads to extreme 'sickness, nerves, fear, and defecation,' often with fatal results. The incident underscores a critical lack of regulation and public awareness regarding safe pet travel in China, where an increasing number of people now drive long distances with their animals. The viral nature of Wu's video, driven by his own emotional connection as a Border Collie owner, has ignited a public debate on responsible ownership. The tragedy points to the urgent need for educational campaigns and potentially legislative action to prevent similar incidents, as social media trends can sometimes outpace common sense and safety protocols.