Expensive Racing Pigeons and Thieves
Introduction
Some racing pigeons are very expensive. People steal these birds. Now, police use DNA tests to find them.
Main Body
Racing pigeons are a big business in Belgium. Some birds cost millions of dollars. People from China and the Middle East buy them. Thieves steal these birds to sell them. In 2024, a man lost seven pigeons. They were worth 1.6 million dollars. Now, owners use lasers and cameras for safety. Thieves take off the rings on the birds' legs. Police cannot find the birds this way. A doctor made a list of DNA for 70,000 birds. DNA is like a secret code in the body. Police used DNA to find 20 stolen birds. They caught eight criminals. One man went to prison for 30 months. Some birds are still missing.
Conclusion
Pigeons are now very expensive. DNA tests help police find stolen birds and catch thieves.