Several stray dogs near an abandoned factory in Russia have reportedly been turned neon blue by chemical waste pollution.

It is thought that the canines' striking blue fur was caused by chemical waste near a disused factory in Dzerzhinsk, with origins dating back to the time of the Soviet Union.

As reported by the Daily Mail, local authorities made the decision to round up the dogs for a health check-up after the images were brought to their attention.

The bizarre images of the blue-coloured dogs were snapped by locals who live near the Dzerzhinskoye Orgsteklo plant, a disused factory that reportedly closed down six years ago because of financial difficulties it endured.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/geoffs65/status/1360008173885792261]]

It had once been a very substantial chemical production plant, which was responsible for making hydrocyanic acid and plexiglass.

However, while local authorities were concerned upon seeing the images, the facility's bankruptcy manager, Andrey Mislivets, has claimed that the photos are not what they seem.

According to the newspaper, Mislivets explained that the pooches may have come across some copper sulphate while they were roaming around the empty buildings in the area.

Copper sulphate is a chemical that can cause inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation by copper sulphate include a burning or stinging sensation.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/benvtk/status/1359930892312076292]]

The commissioner suggested that the dogs had found what remained from the chemicals from when the plant was functioning - and then proceeded to roll around in it.

Mislivets also recalled how a number of years ago a similar incident occurred in which stray dogs stumbled across some "dyes".

He also said that the dogs were not controlled by anyone and that it was not feasible for them to be rounded up and sterilised.

According to reports, on Thursday (February 11), officials in Dzerzhinsk city had sought permission to go onto private land. They had supposedly intended to find the dogs and give them a check-up.

Per the Daily Mail, a government spokesman said that talks were being held over the prospect of gathering up the canines. He said it was imperative that their health is monitored and that the cause of their blue fur is ascertained.

Stray dogs to undergo health checks after turning neon blue near disused factory