RANST, Belgium
— The classic tradition of pigeon racing in Belgium has transformed dramatically, as modern threats prompt pigeon breeders to deploy drones that fly over their lofts to spot vulnerabilities, install laser sensors that trigger alarms at night, and set up live cameras linked to mobile applications to deter potential thieves around the clock.
Once a popular leisure activity, the racing of these agile birds has escalated into a lucrative business, with notable sales reaching up to 1.6 million euros (approximately $1.65 million) for a single pigeon in recent years.
This lucrative nature of the sport has led to a troubling increase in thefts affecting high-end pigeons. According to Pascal Bodengien, president of the Belgian Pigeon Racing Federation, this winter has been particularly severe, stating, “Not a week goes by without a theft occurring somewhere.” In a recent incident, around 100,000 euros (about $102,900) worth of pigeons were stolen, highlighting the rampant issue, with no arrests made to date. Bodengien notes that the values of individual birds can range from 1,000 to 100,000 euros, making them prime targets for theft.
Unfortunately, comprehensive statistics regarding theft losses are difficult to come by, as individual reports and police investigations often lack central oversight.
The emotional toll of these thefts weighs heavily on breeders, who invest years of meticulous care and devotion into their birds. The soft rustling of feathers and gentle cooing provide a sense of tranquility and pride, particularly when their birds achieve racing success.
One such breeder, Frans Bungeneers, who began his journey at the age of eight and continues to pursue his passion well into his sixties, recalls a devastating event in November 2016 when thieves stole nearly all of his prized pigeons in a single heist involving around 60 birds. “It was such an incredible blow for me. I can tell you honestly, I cried like a little boy because my life’s work was completely destroyed,” he lamented, recounting how he had to rebuild his breeding efforts almost entirely from zero. “I was broken,” he added, emphasizing the years of dedication lost with his birds.
Despite the thieves being apprehended in Romania and later convicted in Belgium, Bungeneers never recovered his birds or the awarded damages of 400,000 euros ($410,000), as the criminals were deemed insolvent. This ongoing wave of theft particularly resonates with him, as he understands the deep emotional connection each owner has to their birds.
Once taken, stolen pigeons lose their racing opportunities. Without proper documentation, it is nearly impossible for thieves to enter them into highly competitive races, severely limiting their options for profit. The market for prized pigeons can reach staggering figures, with top birds sometimes selling for five to six figures; thus, it’s believed that stolen pigeons may end up being bred in Eastern Bloc countries, similar to where Bungeneers’ birds were taken.
Bungeneers, a former police officer who retired last year, criticizes the lack of systematic investigations, arguing that the theft of valuable pigeons is often treated with the same seriousness as that of common livestock. He recalled a colleague’s experience in court, where a magistrate questioned whether it was even worth prosecuting the theft of pigeons alongside that of chickens or rabbits.
In response to these alarming trends, the pigeon racing federation is urging its community to adopt heightened precautions, advising members not to discuss their passion with strangers.
“If you notice unusual activity around your property or suspect cars that don’t belong, document the license plate, take pictures, and don’t hesitate to contact the police,” Bodengien encouraged. He stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to protect the community’s beloved hobby.
For breeders like Bungeneers, the ongoing threat signifies a troubling shift in the culture surrounding pigeon racing. Rather than delighting in the graceful flight of their birds, owners find themselves anxiously monitoring their surroundings and employing security measures that detract from their enjoyment.
“Cameras, sensors, alarms… Whenever you leave, you have to check your app to monitor the cameras,” he explained. “If an alarm goes off, you rush to inspect the sheds, leading to constant stress.”
He lamented, “Investing thousands of euros into your own hobby to thwart potential thieves is simply too much for many, which may force them to abandon their passion altogether.”
