While walking through the bustling streets of Mumbai, India, I stumbled upon a market stall that immediately caught my attention. Inside a small, cramped cage were many chicks in an array of unnatural, vibrant colors. These little chicks, though innocent in appearance, were a product of a disturbing practice: the dyeing of chicks.
In many markets worldwide, chicks are artificially colored using harmful synthetic dyes to attract buyers. In Mumbai, the dyeing process is incredibly stressful, involving submersion in chemical-laden solutions that can cause burns, irritation, and permanent damage. The chicks’ health is ignored for aesthetic appeal, leading to suffering that most consumers are unaware of.
Beyond physical harm, this practice causes psychological stress. Chicks are confined in cramped cages and subjected to unnatural alterations. In many countries, dyeing is illegal or regulated, but it persists in places with limited awareness or enforcement of animal rights. By showcasing these colorful chicks, I hope to highlight this cruelty and spark a conversation about animal welfare.