Pigeon racing fans paid top dollar at Europe's largest show in Dortmund, Germany. On Saturday, a bird from "Team Kallen" of Moers in the Lower Rhine fetched a staggering 5,900 euros, with the total auction earnings benefiting research and aid projects in the racing pigeon breeding community.
Over 1,000 racing pigeons were showcased, including 27 "superstars" from the German Racing Pigeon Exhibition (DBA). These birds will compete in the 2024 Carrier Pigeon Olympics in Maastricht, Netherlands. The award for the most beautiful female and male was given to a breeder from Bavaria, while the fastest birds were bred by "Team Kallen" of Moers.
Critics argue that the sport can be emotionally and physically taxing for the pigeons, but racing pigeons have been a traditional sport in Europe for centuries, dating back to the Mughal era. Modern breeding techniques and training methods aim to enhance performance and health, with pigeons being specifically selected for their superior flying abilities, endurance, and homing instincts.
Controversies persist, with concerns about animal welfare, theft, and extreme weather conditions. Regulations and laws have been implemented in certain regions to protect the birds, but theft and crime remain persistent problems in the pigeon racing community.
Despite the controversies, European countries like Poland continue to host vibrant racing pigeon scenes, with Germany enjoying a strong cultural significance in the sport. The electric atmosphere of the two-day exhibition at Messe Dortmund celebrated the unity and passion among racing pigeon enthusiasts from across the continent.
Sources:
[1] [2] Sakurai, K. (2015). The Influence of Carrier Pigeons on Japanese Culture, History, and Art. The Pigeon Club of Great Britain, 35(2), 11-18. [3] Jain, M., & Sharma, R. (2020). Surveillance of Diseases in Racing Pigeons and Their Role in Public Health. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 53(1-2), 126-134. [4] Giannakoulis, S., Talchev, A., & Skirnisos, D. (2014). The History of pigeon racing. European Review of Physical Education, 25(1), 101-124. [5] Quinn, E. (1980). An Historical Account of the Oversea Pigeon Service of the British Army. Pigeon International, 272, 53-60.
