{
  "id": 13738164,
  "title": "Owners fear 'healthy' dog died due to orange substance exposure on contaminated land",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/owners-fear-healthy-dog-died-due-to-orange-substance-exposure-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T14:48:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqx2z2xx0k2lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Donna and Pete O'Brien report their four-year-old dog, Misty, may have died due to exposure to an orange substance on contaminated land during a walk near Wrexham. After wading through a swampy pool near the Cefn Viaduct, Misty's health rapidly deteriorated, coughing up blood and eventually dying with a heart tumour, affecting only 0.19% of dogs. The couple believes this is linked to historical chemical dumping, as mentioned in the BBC's Buried documentary. They are calling for the examination of pet records to identify any clusters of rare illnesses. Donna noticed Misty returning from a walk covered in a greasy, oily, orange film in December 2019. Vet records show she developed diarrhea, vomiting, and a nine-year-old heart tumour. The couple suspected the substance was related to the contamination and watched the Buried documentary, which prompted them to seek answers. They presented their concerns at a Wrexham council meeting, where councillor Derek Wright questioned the fencing around the contaminated sites and the lack of public awareness. Wrexham council stated that investigations indicated the deposits came from mining activity, and they were satisfied that no further action was required.",
  "summary": "Donna and Pete O'Brien say Misty's health declined after a walk.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}