£625,000 Stolen: ‘Mona Lisa of Pigeons’ Highlights Rise in Racing Bird Thefts

In a shocking turn of events, the esteemed pigeon racing community in Belgium is grappling with a wave of thefts, with five prized birds, including “Finn,” dubbed the ‘Mona Lisa of pigeons,’ stolen for an astonishing £625,000. Tom Van Gaver, a champion racer, discovered the heart-wrenching news last November when he found his aviary violated. Security measures that included cameras and locks proved inadequate against the audacity of thieves who breached his loft through the roof.

This incident is part of a disturbing trend, with reports indicating that up to 15 thefts occurred between October and mid-February, amounting to around 500 birds taken. Officials from the Royal Belgian Pigeon Federation attribute these crimes to organized criminal enterprises targeting champion birds for breeding.

Once a thriving pastime in 19th-century Belgium, pigeon racing has faced criticism over animal welfare concerns in recent years. Despite the challenges, dedicated enthusiasts continue to prioritize the wellbeing of their birds, engaging in competitions where racers are timed on their return flights over long distances.

With the increased thefts, the sports community is now focusing on enhanced security measures. As Van Gaver puts it, his garden feels more like a prison than a sanctuary, underscoring the desperation within this vibrant, yet vulnerable world of pigeon racing.