Pigeon sporting competitions are a deeply rooted tradition in Spain, particularly in regions such as Valencia and Murcia.
These tournaments, where endurance, elegance, and flight skills are rewarded, move significant sums of money each year and attract breeders who dedicate time, passion, and effort to training their birds. It is not just a pastime: pigeon breeding and training have become a true economic sector that combines sport, culture, and emotion.
Within this context comes the news that has shaken the town of Fortuna, Spain: the theft of three champion pigeons, with a combined value of around €170,000. The stolen birds, named Sordo, Gran Capitán and Joker, were not just any pigeons. According to their owner, José Francisco Fernández, they are national champions in different disciplines, the result of years of dedication, training, and sacrifice.
The theft, which took place in the facilities where they were housed alongside another 40 pigeons, does not appear to have been a random act. “They came specifically for those three, because they are the ones with the highest competitive level” Fernández explained, pointing to the empty cages that today symbolize both the financial loss and, above all, the emotional pain.
Behind every victory there are countless hours of work, preparation, and personal sacrifice. “Many sacrifices, many hours away from family. These pigeons have brought us so much joy,” said the breeder, visibly affected. For him and his family, the loss is not only financial but the disappearance of living creatures with whom they had built a unique bond.
The Spanish Civil Guard has already opened an investigation and suspects are being considered. One advantage for the owner is that the thieves will not be able to use the pigeons in competitions, since their identification chips remain in the possession of the breeders. Still, the plea is clear: “We just want them back or for them to be released,” Fernández said, convinced that for his family the pigeons are much more than trophies — they are part of their lives.