A factory in Mumbai has been shuttered after officials confirmed its pollution was turning stray dogs blue.
Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board was called in to investigate why several dogs in the area were turning light blue, after an animal rights group linked the colour change to an untreated chemical dye that was dumped into the nearby Kasadi River.
The dye was traced to Ducol Organics Pvt Ltd., which manufactures pigments for paints, ink, plastics, detergent and paper, its website explains.
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According to The Guardian, the Kasadi River is in a heavily industrialized area and is closed to people, but often attracts wildlife.
In a Facebook post, Navi Mumbai Animal Protection Cell added that other animals such as birds and reptiles were also turning blue.
The Hindustan Times reported the manufacturing company was shut down Wednesday after a government board confirmed its dye powder was the culprit. It said the dumping violated the country’s Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
“Ducol Organics Pvt Ltd. is harming animals and birds in the area. We cannot let such an industry function,” Anil Mohekar, who is on the government board, said.
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The board added that five dogs in the neighbourhood had turned blue, and were being treated by veterinarians.
Arati Chauhan, head of the animal rights group, told Agence France-Presse that the organization is also working to treat some of the dogs affected. She added that one dog was suffering an eye infection.
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