20.000 pigeons missing after race in France: Belgian Pigeon Federation blames organisation

20.000 pigeons are missing after they were released for an international race in the French city of Narbonne. "The pigeons should never have been released", the Belgian Pigeon Federation reacted on Monday. A thunderstorm and bad weather conditions caused many pigeons to not find their way home. The Belgian Pigeon Federation met in an emergency session on Monday afternoon.

"It is a catastrophe", says Jef Cuypers of the Federation. He points the finger at the organisation of the race. "The fault lies with Indépendante de Liège, the organiser of the race. We still don't understand why they released the pigeons. This catastrophe will have consequences. Next year, the organisation will probably not have any more flights to organise."

"We still don't understand why they released the pigeons. This catastrophe will have consequences."

A total of 26.000 pigeons took part, of which about 11.000 were Belgian. On Monday afternoon, the Belgian Pigeon Federation met to consider how things could be done differently in the future. "We want to use webcams and contact points, so that for each province we are in contact with experienced pigeon enthusiasts who can give us information about the weather. We also want to work with a weatherman."

(BRV)

© PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP