A PACK of dogs with blue coats have been seen roaming near an abandoned Russian chemical factory, leaving experts to question what happened to them.
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Viral pictures of dogs with blue coats were taken in Dzerzhinsk, 230 miles east of Moscow. Many are linking their colouring to a nearby chemical plant which has been unused since 2015.The dogs were seen near the factory which produced plexiglass and hydrocyanic acid before it went bankrupt in 2015.Animal experts are wondering if copper sulphate, which was stored on the site of the factory, has caused the dogs to turn various shades of blue.Audrey Mislivets, bankruptcy manager of the chemical plant, told Russian news agency Sputnik: "Several years ago something similar happened when stray dogs got unnatural 'dyes'.
"Possibly they found the remains of some old chemicals and rolled in it, and possibly it was copper sulphate."
Animal experts have studied the dogs and say they have suffered no adverse side effects aside from the colour change. Municipal officers had permission to enter the grounds of the abandoned factory in order to determine what had happened to the animals.
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Kelly O'Meara, Humane Society International's Vice President, told Newsweek: "The unusual colouring could point to a myriad of animal welfare concerns.
"This situation with street dogs living near an abandoned chemical plant in Dzerzhinsk, Russia, has shown very obvious welfare issues through the discolouration of their fur.
"The dye on their fur implies they have had direct contact or even ingestion of potentially toxic or harmful substances. This could result in painful skin burning, itching, internal bleeding and illness that could lead to death without veterinary intervention."
Ms O'Meara said: "We hope in this case the source of the issue is identified and found to be benign, and the dogs' welfare is not compromised."DON'T MISSJosephine Jobert addresses ‘saddest day’ ahead of DIP final [TV]Carol Vorderman reacts to Anne Robinson Countdown announcement [TV]Ralf Little admits Death in Paradise season 10 had alternative ending [TV]Get Rid of Skunk Smell with Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda. Did your dog get skunked? You can get rid of that nasty skunk smell from your dog using some soap, peroxide & baking soda.
“Our pets are intelligent and sentient; treating them in this way sends out a worrying message that they are ours to objectify and treat as fashion accessories or toys.”
A spokesperson for the BBC show defended their decision to dye the dogs saying: “On set, we had an RSPCA approved Animal Welfare Consultant, a Grooming Consultant, and a Vet, to ensure that we put every precaution in place to keep the dogs safe and well. Every owner was asked if they were happy for their dogs to have some temporary colour put on them. The care and wellbeing of the dogs was of the utmost importance.”