The organisers of South Africa’s Million Dollar Pigeon Race confirmed on Tuesday that more than half of its feathered contestants had not returned to their perches four weeks after the event.
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One of the world’s largest pigeon races came in for criticism from the local animal welfare organisation (NSPCA) which stated that only 40 per cent of the birds had returned after having set off on February 1.
The NSPCA issued a statement earlier declaring that of the 1,548 racing pigeons released at the start, only 675 pigeons had reached their destination.
According to NSPCA spokesman Arno de Klerk, pigeons reared in captivity are easy prey for predators and are unable to forage for themselves in the wild.
However, spokeswoman for the event Joane Holt told dpa that the return rate by Tuesday was closer to 55 per cent and that theft was one possible reason for the high rate of loss.
“Pigeons don’t just disappear. Auctions of stolen pedigree pigeons are known to take place.’’
According to the NSPCA’s de Klerk, the organisation is opposed to any race that uses animals, adding that besides their welfare, birds joining the country’s feral population were also cause for concern.
“The pigeon is considered an invasive species with a rapid reproduction rate.’’
The race, which covers a distance of 600km and has a total prize of 1 million dollars.
The race attracts breeders and pigeon enthusiasts from around the world.