RANST, Belgium — The charming tradition of pigeon racing in Belgium is experiencing a drastic shift as security measures become increasingly necessary to protect valuable birds. With drones patrolling the lofts housing these prized pigeons, laser sensors triggering alarms at night, and cameras linked to mobile applications offering real-time surveillance, the atmosphere has shifted from leisure to vigilance, 24/7.
Once considered cherished companions at local establishments, pigeons have now become high-value assets, with record sales reaching 1.6 million euros (approximately $1.65 million) for a single bird. This surge in worth has led to an unprecedented wave of thefts targeting the pigeon racing community, with many of the best birds falling victim to organized poaching.
According to Pascal Bodengien, head of the Belgian Pigeon Racing Federation, the current winter season has been particularly dire, stating, “It feels extreme… Not a week goes by without a theft somewhere.” In a recent incident, thieves made off with approximately 100,000 euros ($102,900) worth of pigeons from a single loft, and shockingly, no arrests have been made. Bodengien also noted that bird prices can range significantly, between 1,000 to 100,000 euros, making them prime targets for criminals.
The complexity of tracking these losses is compounded by the lack of a centralized system for reporting and investigating pigeon thefts. However, the emotional toll on breeders is perhaps the most devastating aspect of these crimes, as raising and caring for pigeons can span decades, providing a sense of peace and pride when they achieve success in races.
Frans Bungeneers, a longtime champion breeder, has experienced firsthand the painful reality of these thefts. Since starting in the sport at just eight years old, he was devastated when, in November 2016, thieves raided his property and stole nearly all of his top pigeons in a heist that totaled around 60 birds. “It felt like a crushing blow… I could honestly say I cried like a little boy because my life’s work was shattered,” he recalled. With the need to rebuild, Bungeneers shares the heartbreak of lost achievements, stating, “If you have those successes and those birds are then taken away, you truly understand how long it takes to breed champions.”
Despite the capture of the culprits in Romania and their subsequent conviction in Belgium, Bungeneers never received the 400,000 euros ($410,000) in damages awarded to him, as the thieves were deemed insolvent. This winter’s spate of thefts resonates deeply with him as he understands what each victim is suffering, both in terms of financial loss and emotional hardship.
For stolen pigeons, the chances of racing or being sold are nearly nonexistent due to the strict documentation required to ensure legitimacy. Many thieves may consider breeding options given that selling these high-stakes birds at auctions can yield thousands, but Bodengien suspects that stolen pigeons may end up in Eastern Bloc countries where tracking is more challenging. However, with limited evidence and only vague infrared footage to guide investigators, there is little clarity surrounding these thefts.
Bungeneers, who retired from a career in law enforcement last year, criticizes the lack of coordinated investigations. He notes the troubling perception that expensive pigeons should be treated similarly to other stolen livestock, leading to poor prioritization by authorities. “A colleague once heard a prosecutor remark: ‘Are we going to start dealing with the theft of chickens, rabbits, and pigeons?’” he said, indicating a frustrating levels of indifference.
Consequently, the pigeon racing federation is advising its members to exercise extreme caution, even suggesting avoiding discussions about their passion with strangers. “If you notice anything unusual around your property or coops, make sure to take down license plates, snap photos, and inform the police,” Bodengien encouraged. “We need to act urgently to address this issue.”
For Bungeneers, this escalating situation signifies a gradual loss of a cherished way of life. Instead of freely enjoying the thrill of their birds soaring above, they now find themselves in a constant state of alert, needing to monitor for potential threats. “The constant presence of cameras, sensors, and alarms means I have to check my devices frequently,” he lamented. “The cost of securing one’s hobby has skyrocketed, and for many, those expenses are simply too much, leading them to abandon the sport.”
