Moscow, Mar 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Forty rare Uzbek pigeons worth 600,000 rubles (over $19,000) have been stolen in the Siberian city of Omsk, police said on its website.
The unidentified thieves broke the lock of the pigeon house and stole the birds, each of which costs 15,000 rubles, from a 58-year old member of the Omsk Pigeon club.
The police are searching for the birds at local markets and pet shops. The pigeon thieves may face up to six years in prison if arrested and convicted.
Uzbek pigeons, originating from Central Asia and boasting a variety of colours and markings, are a popular breed in Russia and Europe.